Handelsbanken plc (UK) Avis 

Firstly, I have read the 5-star reviews, and I agree with most if not all of them that Handelsbanken UK offers great local customer service for day-to-day business. Unfortunately, I moved from Barclays Bank expecting from the Handelsbanken UK’s literature the same service and PROTECTIONS as Barclays and I have found that is not the case and it has cost me a very large amount of money. I (probably like you) have some knowledge of banking and investments but unfortunately I was scammed by a failure in the banking system, that I or you as a customer would never see. This banking systems failure involves thousands of investors and is currently under review by the PSR, FCA, FOS and HM Treasury and to be honest everyone is sitting on the fence. However, banks like Barclays have acknowledged it is fraud and have re-imbursed their clients. From Handelsbanken (UK) all the communications have been based around it is my fault and I must raise my issue with the FOS. This is not just from the local team as I have escalated my situation all the way to the CEO. To Handelsbanken UK, I say actions speak louder than words and even though I continually moaned about the Barclays customer service, when it came to a major fraud, they have stood up and re-imbursed their customers. When I needed you, you blamed me. My move from Barclays to Handelsbanken UK has been very very costly and one that I hope current and future Handelsbanken UK customers are now aware of from this review and take into account.

Update:
To the Handelsbanken UK complaints team note. Please look at your records. You have twice replied to me and sent me to the FOS. You have all my details on your records so please don’t try to look like you care on TrustPilot. Barclays have reimbursed their affected customers but you have not. Many other UK banks have too. If you are to operate in the UK then please be honest with your customers what protections you do and do not cover versus other UK banks who you see as your competitors.

We have our mortgage with Handelsbanken and our business and private accounts but its the fact that we can speak to a great team of people who operate out of Truro and ask for advice and check on payments from questionable companies and they are always their to help. It's by far the best bank we have ever used and their team are so professional but very approachable.

As a number of reviewers have stated Handelsbanken and the manager & team that support you are all about personal relationships. When you call the bank or email your manager and support team respond very promptly with in minutes if not a few hours.
My situation is that I returned from living overseas where I did have a private bank account (quite common where I was living) but the quality of service had diminished over the years despite fees increasing. It was refreshing to come back to the UK and was recommended to approach Handlesbanken to assist me in navigate the hurdles I had to overcome with foreign accounts, foreign currency transfers and many other. Most of which was beyond the capabilities of the high street banks, or they would charge a significant premium for the service. You do pay a month account charge but for the service and having face(s) to talk to to address any issues or complications is more than worth it and has paid back me back many times over.
For a more comprehensive review I would also point you to this Reddit post, points raised by "Sunbeam60" mirrors my experience perfectly (see Reddit "have_you_ever_heard_of_handelsdenbank" post).
A big thank you to Janice, Nicola at the Ipswich branch for their on going support, dedication and recommendations even if it does not bring Handelsbanken more business, your expert advice and unquestioned support is very much appreciated.

What a refreshing change! a friend said ‘have you thought about Handlesbanken’?
Never heard of them was my reply
I contacted the Truro office and was put in touch with Alan Joliffe and in turn Elizabeth Stansfield the branch manager between them and their team it was like I was getting back in touch with old friends, no pointless bureaucracy or I understand your frustrations computer says no attitude I genuinely feel they listened to my ideas looked at our business which was in no way linked to the project I had in mind and helped us get the financial support we needed.
I’m 50 and never knew that such a personal approach from a bank was still a thing
I’m delighted to have become one of your customers and thankful for your support

The professionalism of the staff. Very human contact with all employees.Personal contact with customers.Clear processes.Very concerned about scams and fraud.Excellent financial afvice.

I spoke to one of the banking managers at Handelsbanken Hampstead branch by the name of Georgia Ayre. Georgia was incredibly knowledgeable about the lending facilities of the bank and within a short space of time informed me of what would and what would not be possible. She obviously knows her stuff and clearly enjoys her job! She was also very amenable and friendly. Definitely someone to speak to if you are looking to release equity, discuss mortgages or remortgages.

The Truro branch of Handelsbanken have provided an exceptional service both personally and for my business. The team are very responsive, accommodating and solution focused. They are a bedrock of my financial setup and highly recommend them to anyone.

I have been a customer of Handelsbanken for over seven years and have paid approximately £50 per month for what is marketed as a semi-private banking service, including access to a dedicated account manager.

To my surprise, I recently received a letter informing me that my account is being closed due to my failure to provide written explanations for four transactions. This is despite the fact that I had already spoken with the bank by phone to clarify these matters.

What is particularly disappointing is that I received no communication from my account manager regarding this decision. This experience relates specifically to the Henley branch in the UK.

Overall, I have found the bank’s systems to be outdated and clunky compared to more modern and sophisticated banking platforms. If you are considering banking with them, I would strongly recommend choosing your branch carefully and exploring alternative options.

After banking with one of the major High Street banks for decades, my wife and I decided to switch to Handelsbanken on the recommendation of two friends. We could not have been happier with the way things have turned out over the past couple of years. Handelsbanken offers a highly professional and highly personal style of banking. The dedicated team at the bank's superbly-run Truro branch are always on hand to answer queries and to help in any way. They are also incredibly vigilant when it comes to the security of our accounts. My wife and I recently took out a significant mortgage to build a new property and, once again, we received excellent service from their mortgage team. Our only regret is that we did not move to Handelsbanken long ago - this is personal banking at its very best.

I have enjoyed working closely with the Coventry branch for many years, and the level of service has consistently been excellent — which is why I chose to move my personal account to them as well. Every member of the team I have spoken to or met has been extremely helpful, efficient and friendly. I cannot rate them highly enough, and as someone who is a real stickler for customer service, that says a great deal.

We had never banked with Handelsbanken before, but from the moment we began the process of purchasing our new home, Jo and the team at the Hampstead branch made us feel we were in the very best of hands. Throughout, Jo was consistently supportive and attentive — and on the occasions she wasn't available, her colleagues stepped in with the same warmth and care. Katherine, our Mortgage Adviser, was equally excellent.
What struck us most was the sense that we had discovered a genuinely different kind of banking — personal, thoughtful, and refreshingly unlike the impersonal experience that has become so common today. The products themselves were flexible and great value, but it was the human touch that truly set Handelsbanken apart. The day after we moved in, a personalised, handwritten card arrived on our doorstep. A small gesture, perhaps — but one that said everything.

The team in the Hampstead branch are truly something special - such a great group of genuine, friendly people who go above and beyond. I completed a remortgage with them a few weeks ago, the process was seamless, the team accomodating - couldn't have asked for anything more. Thanks Jo, Katherine and Jake!

We have had a great experience with Handelsbanken. We have been long term customers and just recently went through a change in mortgage. Chris and Kelly from the Coventry branch have made the experience so smooth and personable. Great service!

Highly recommend using Handelsbanken Truro branch! very easy to deal with and always on the end of the phone to help.

Very happy with the customer experience and personal touch. I always get very warm and friendly treatment when I call or email, and can vouch for that whether dealing with investments, mortgages, and/or day to day requests.
Big shout out to everyone at the Truro branch.

We are clients of the Truro branch, and the service throughout has always been excellent.
From the original phone call regarding any issue to Barbara, she is always efficient and helpful. Our original account manager, John Woodrow has since moved on, but he was very highly regarded.
On meeting our new account manager, Chloe Fletcher we move forward with continued high standards.

Is with regret that after 12year banking with the Colchester brach I am now moving my accounts.
I have tataly lost confidence in the branch mamager,which is in stark contrast from the previous manager.When I asked the Chelmsford branch manager ifto CC it was posible to transfer my accounts Chelmsford I was told it would not be posible

What a pleasureable experience at the Handelsbanken branch in Hampstead. It felt truly like old school banking at its finest. I highly recommend this bank to anyone seeking high level precision customer service. Paul

Private bank with all the service and relationship management you’d expect to come with it? I think not. Support and service? No. Simply soulless, bullying and threatening as soon as they do not get whatever they demand at short notice.

Great bank for both Private & Commercial banking. You get to talk to humans - most of whom know you by name! Amazing & wonderful!
OK, not the cheapest nor the best deposit rates but first class for day to day banking.
Mobile app is 'OK' but a bit behind the curve in terms of features. Desktop app is fully featured.
Great customer telephone support too.

This refers to the Tunbridge Wells branch (aka North Kent) where Jon & his team work.