No laughing matter as Smile and Co-op online banking goes down
The customers of the UK’s Co-operative Bank and its digital arm, Smile, have been affected by an online banking glitch that is preventing access to accounts.
As with all these problems the banks say they are investigating. There are no more details on specifics or when the systems will be back up. However, the mobile app is unaffected according to the Co-op.
We're currently experiencing issues with online banking, however the mobile app is available. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused 1/2
— smile UK (@bankwithsmile) November 6, 2017
We're currently experiencing issues with online banking, however the mobile app is available. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused 1/2
— Co-op Bank (@CoopBankUK) November 6, 2017
It seems British banks are prone to digital problems. Just last week, the customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland were affected by an online and mobile banking glitch.
In April, Lloyds, Halifax and NatWest customers were hit by online banking outage.
While in January, Lloyds, Halifax and TSB faced similar issues.
More drama
The Co-op has had an eventful existence.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that its life may not be over just yet as it said it was in advanced discussions with existing investors over a rescue package. In late June this was confirmed when it agreed a £700 million deal with US hedge fund investors – allowing it to remain a stand-alone business.
As reported in February, the bank was put up for sale – with the minority investor Co-op Group saying it is “supportive of the plan to find the bank a new home”.
The bank’s recent history has been interesting – including a disastrous merger, huge losses, staff layoffs, a fine for mishandling payment protection insurance (PPI) claims, and its former chairman Paul Flowers was found snorting coke and renting escort boys.
