In the second half of 2024, HSBC UK Bank Plc had the highest volume of overall customer complaints in the UK, with over 91,000 recorded. However, in terms of specific fraud and scam complaints referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) in 2025, digital challenger bank Revolut topped the list. Other heavily complained-about banks for general service include NatWest and Lloyds.
Barclays received 4,301 complaints in the second half of 2024. Barclays has a huge customer base, which means it frequently features at the top of the most complained about banks.
The most complained about ad of all time, with 5,523 complaints is Paddy Power's 2015 campaign. The bookmakers offered punters their money back if Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was cleared of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after the tragic incident in 2013.
Falls in heavyweight lenders HSBC Holdings (HSBA. L) and Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.
If you're looking to 100% guarantee of your savings, the only bank able to offer that is NS&I. That's because it's part of the government and backed by HM Treasury, meaning every penny of your savings is protected, not just the FSCS limit.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protects your deposits up to $250,000 per person, per bank, so most people don't need to worry. Of course, It is always wise to have a plan, just in case.
Barclays
Barclays is the UK's most popular current account provider – but it also takes the number one spot as the least ethical. Environmental campaigners have dubbed it the “dirtiest bank in Europe” due to its extensive financing of fossil fuels.
The numbers suggest that Morgan Stanley's acceptance rate for students was a miniscule 0.43% in EMEA, twice as competitive as Goldman Sachs and almost four times tougher than Citigroup's 1.58%. By comparison, the easiest global program to get into was Bank of America's.
A saving account is usually the safe option. You can calculate the return you'll receive and decide how long to lock your money away to further increase its worth. As the Bank of England base rate falls, interest rates on savings accounts tend to fall too. Investments are generally more risky.
Complaints filed by industry in the U.S.
For example, the Consumer Federation of America reported that 2020's most complained-about industries included automotive retail/service, home improvement/construction, credit lending, and professional services like plumbing and photography.
M&S ad banned over 'unhealthily thin' model. An advert by Marks & Spencer (M&S) has been banned because the model appeared to be "unhealthily thin".
The Royal Mail (110th), BA (114th), RBS (138th) and Lloyds (136th) all have a "shockingly poor reputation among consumers", revealed the survey. Cigarette maker, British American Tobacco, has the worst corporate reputation out of 140 companies.
Ethical banks in the UK: List of 10 providers
The 2/3/4 rule: According to this rule, applicants are limited to two new cards in 30 days, three new cards in 12 months and four new cards in 24 months. The six-month or one-year rule: Some credit card issuers may let borrowers open a new credit card account only once every six months or once a year.
The 7 Worst Banks in America:
Your $500,000 can give you about $20,000 each year using the 4% rule, and it could last over 30 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows retirees spend around $54,000 yearly. Smart investments can make your savings last longer.