Alterna Reviews

Alterna - Personal

1.87
23 reviews
Poor Rating
Based on 23 user experiences

RatingFacts is an independent review platform and is not affiliated with Alterna (alterna.ca). All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. Learn more · Report abuse

All 5 ★ 4 ★ 3 ★ 2 ★ 1 ★ 😊 Positive 😐 Neutral 😞 Negative Reset Filter
AI Review Summary Based on 23 reviews

Overall customer experience with Alterna is sharply divided, with a significant majority reporting severe dissatisfaction while a small minority praises specific positive interactions. Many customers express extreme frustration with customer service, citing unresponsive phone lines, unreturned calls, and rude or unhelpful staff. A common complaint involves technical and systemic issues following Alterna's takeover of previous institutions like Pace, leading to lost account history, buggy software, and frequent service interruptions. Serious concerns are raised about financial handling, including accounts being wrongly flagged for fraud, funds being held for extended periods, and unauthorized charges appearing on accounts. Delivery of core banking services is criticized as unreliable, with reports of ATMs frequently out of service and a lack of local branches forcing long travel for in-person service. The returns or resolution policy appears ineffective, with customers reporting being blamed for account compromises and struggling to rectify errors or retrieve their own money. Product quality, referring to banking platforms and tools, is frequently described as outdated, buggy, and difficult to use. However, a few long-term customers report consistently good, personalized service and efficient problem resolution when dealing with specific helpful staff members at certain branches. Overall satisfaction is very low for most, with terms like 'worst bank ever' and 'absolute garbage' being common, though a handful of customers report high satisfaction based on long-term relationships and positive local branch experiences. The merger transition has evidently created significant operational and trust issues for a large portion of the clientele.

What customers love
  • Responsive and effective assistance from individual
  • Consistently positive experience reported by some
  • Seamless transaction handling in specific positive
Common concerns
  • Buggy, unreliable software and online banking
  • Problems following merger/takeover (lost history, system
  • Issues with fund access (fraud flags,

Last updated 4 months ago

J

Member since the early 1970s

I have been a member since the early 70s when it was called the CS Coop I have always had good service
J

Members of Pace for many years now with Alterna

We were members of the Pace Credit Union for many years and everything was going fine Great service at the Mississauga Branch - we bank at the Matheson Br and previously when Pace had an Office at Square One So we go back that many years Then came along Pace Securities and that was a disaster for many of us We had built tremendous CONFIDENCE in Pace Credit Union and felt very secure that as we retired Pace Securities would be good for us But a couple of Officers at the Pace Board had different self seeking objectives The father and son team of the Smith family who shattered our dreams Their case is being handled by KPMG and we are still waiting to hear the outcome the fair and just outcome We are now with Alterna and after initial teething problems we are happy The service at the Matheson Branch particularly by Anna Coccavo Kavita Vyas Aldale Johnson Rita Karen and the Manager Peter Jeyaraj is highly commendable We are happy and feel that they have OUR interests at heart We hope our Confidence in Alterna is maintained by Management and that we Senior Retirees will not have to face what we did towards the end of the Pace era We are not that computer savvy and hope and pray that the Management of Alterna will continue to have and watch over the Bells and whistles that fraudsters may come up with and safeguard our financial assets Sincerely Al and Edna Mathias
M

I had a great experience at the

I had a great experience at the Stouffville Alterna Jordan Keith has an amazing customer service approach He quickly and effectively responded to my request to access my RESP in preparation for my daughter s 1st year at university He made the whole transaction seamless and fluid Thank you Jordan for your help
G

I ve been with Alterna Savings since

I ve been with Alterna Savings since the early 90s They offer very good personalized service and I have never experienced a single problem I have all my savings TFSAs and checking there They call me when a certain investment is up for renewal and they always find me the best rates
J

Very helpful and quick to get

Very helpful and quick to get everything we needed completed
Looking for Alterna alternatives? We've ranked 20+ similar companies by reviews.
View All Alternatives