I'm not smiling!  >:(

I need a geographical number for Smile Internet Bank so I can phone them up to close my account.  They cancelled all my direct debits without warning and refused to set them all back up (even though there was money in my account).  I've had a look at saynoto0870 and can only find a number for the loans department.  I've also searched through the forums but had no luck.  Any help would be much appreciated.

kevmcfad wrote on May 25^th, 2007 at 8:59am:

… I've had a look at saynoto0870 and can only find a number for the loans department. …

How are you searching the database?  :-/

If you search for smile it comes up with 3 verified entries and 1 unverified entry that says that one of the verified entries is wrong (0800 526149) and won't transfer you to customer services.

The other entry, besides the loans one you refer to, is 0161 4771927, which is given on the Smile website for overseas callers.

Smile is part of Co-Op Bank, and if you search for co-op bank it lists loads of their numbers. At the top is head office switchboard which is 0161 8323456.

I have used the 0161 477 1927 number for Smile before, and it worked just fine.

I always found Smile to be very open with their geographic numbers. Even the people you spoke to on their 0870 numbers were willing to give an alternative number. In addition, as already mentioned, they openly publish a geographic number for "overseas callers" on their web site - and have done so for years.

Just got through to Smile Bank on the overseas number 0161 477 1927 which they advertise on their website no problems, did not even bother with 141 before the code.  Just disappointed that the Co-Op use an 0870 at all.

Quote:

Just disappointed that the Co-Op use an 0870 at all.

Yes, I've thought about that. I wonder if they signed some sort of long term contract with a provider years ago, when 0870 numbers really did save money, and they are still bound to that contract? Maybe they have to "advertise" the 0870 number to meet their contractual obligations? As I have mentioned before, there appears to be absolutely no problems with them releasing, or allowing use of, a normal geographic number. Generally, they do appear to be an 'ethical' organisation.

It's just a great pity that many of their customers will continue to be ripped off when they don't need to be.

Smile Internet Bank has an overseas number which I have used for ever with no problems 01614 771927.  Never failed to get through yet

I have just received an email from Smile Bank to say they have changed their phone number from an 0870 prefix to 0845. The geographical number is 01695 53760 which I have rung and it is correct.. This is on the database but it is shown as The Co-operative Bank. Could "Smile" be added in brackets to make it clear that this number applies to Smile? Thank you.

hansi wrote on Oct 6^th, 2011 at 3:57pm:

I have just received an email from Smile Bank to say they have changed their phone number from an 0870 prefix to 0845. The geographical number is 01695 53760 which I have rung and it is correct.. This is on the database but it is shown as The Co-operative Bank. Could "Smile" be added in brackets to make it clear that this number applies to Smile? Thank you.

Please quote the 0845 and 0870 numbers in full so I know what they are !!