Barclays 4+

I’ve used this app for years, and every time they update it, it gets more helpful. Today I saw an “upcoming transactions” button in my account view that I’d not seen before, and when I pressed it, the app listed all the direct debits that were due to go out of my account in the next week - which, by sheer coincidence, is exactly what I’d opened the app to find out. The app has this “effortlessly helpful” quality that has inspired me to write a review; I can’t remember the last time needed to in log into the Online Banking web portal, because the Barclays app does everything. I genuinely think all banks should take notes on what the Barclays dev team have done here - the app doesn’t just make day to day banking easier, it is the only app I’ve ever used that has genuinely useful “money management” features (rather than gimmicks and charts that just look pretty). By contrast, I also have an account with HSBC, and their app has always been dreadful to use (even after the recent updates), so I really see the difference first hand. Excellent work from Barclays - thank you!

I have a top of the range ipad and have automatic updates on so I definitely have the best version of the ipad app. However, it does not include the same functionality as the one on my phone. For example, when I go to “Manage accounts” on the phone there is a section on “Statement and letter preferences”, but this is not there on the ipad app. Also, the chat function on ipad is very slow. I don’t know if this is caused by the app or if it is due to lack of availability of staff. However, I just spent 50 minutes on a chat that should have taken 5-10 minutes. The agent repeatedly left and joined the conversation and there were unbearably long gaps in between. This was all to solve the above problem of getting statements - an issue I should have been able to take care of myself. When I mentioned this to the agent they told me to update the app, but it was already up t date. Later, I realised that the ipad app does not have the features they were telling me to look at. Hence: the ipad app is not as good (a real shame as it is easier to view everything on it!) AND your agents are not well trained in the functionality of the apps. Nor do you have enough staff to remain on a five minute conversation. Not happy.

This app is great when it works, Barclays has gone down hill as a banking system in the 25 plus years I have been with them, of late when I have needed them to function at their best for me to be able to use them for their purpose they have had nothing but problems with the software and trying to resolve any issues via it be the app ( that was a waste of half a day) or the phone (a waste of the other half) would of been quicker to have gone to a branch of only they hadn’t closed them a round where I live nearest branch 15 miles away and only open reduced hours, so half a day of work to book a slot to visit. Have moved to Lloyds bank far superior, would recommend to anyone. Also I have had a overdraft service for £5000 for years never used so I understand them reducing it but to £0 with out telling me or so called a letter was sent. ( not received) it was a safety net if I was unable to arrange cash payments in to the bank as stated branches are far and few round me with reduced hours on opening. Can’t pay cash in to an app.. so when contacted to arrange having the overdraft reinstated was told as I don’t use it I can’t have it? My credit rating is Excellent can’t get any higher, so no issues of faulted payments. Again Lloyds bank far more helpful.