A bank has bowed to pressure over the high cost of phone calls from customers by introducing new lower rate numbers.
People have long complained about the often high cost of 0845 numbers, particularly when dialling them from mobile phones.
TSB, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, is to replace all of the unpopular numbers with cheaper- rate 0345 numbers in the coming months.
Almost two-thirds of people told the consumer group Which? they believe firms use high-rate numbers to discourage them from calling. And 80% told the same poll firms who use the 0845 prefix do not value them as customers.
TSB said it does not want customers to hesitate to call about their banking needs and hopes its move to 0345 numbers will help to alleviate any concerns over costs.
Peter Navin, managing director of branch and business banking at TSB, said: "We want to be transparent with our customers and believe the introduction of 0345 numbers will make it more convenient for customers to get in touch without worrying about any surprise costs."
Richard Lloyd, Which? executive director applauded the bank for dropping high-rate numbers and said he hopes other banks will follow suit. He said: "We have been campaigning for all companies to end costly calls, and TSB is showing there's no reason why other banks can't follow suit."
TSB will introduce 0345 for customer service numbers, including retail and business banking services, as well as 631 local numbers for every TSB branch. The free from landline 0800 numbers will continue for certain, appropriate lines, such as fraud and complaints.
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