Barclays offers help to customers affected by volcanic eruptions

Barclays and Barclaycard are taking additional measures to support their personal and business customers that have been left stranded abroad after the cloud of volcanic ash moving across Europe grounded all inbound and outbound flights in most of the UK.

Barclays customers who are stranded abroad, have family stranded abroad or who may be affected by the volcanic eruptions have been urged to call the 24 hour helpline provided +44 (0)1928 584440.

Barclays Travel Insurance customers have been advised to contact their airlines who are responsible for either providing passengers with a refund or offering alternative travel. Additional costs are not usually covered by travel insurance but Barclays is considering claims for delayed departures as a gesture of goodwill and will continue to do so until flights resume to normal.

All Travel Insurance policies provided by Barclays give customers up to 14 days of free cover in the event of the customer being unable to return home before their cover ends. Barclays has said it will consider extending this period if required.

Barclays current account customers impacted have been told they will be granted with a temporary overdraft increase to help with emergency costs such as alternative travel or accommodation. Customers that don't have an overdraft can also apply for an emergency overdraft.

The bank has also pledged that it will remove any fees incurred by customers as a result of having to pay additional costs due to the travel restrictions, upon request.

It will also be offering payments (same day and Barclays International Payments) free of charge to customers who are stranded overseas to assist with accommodation and other living expenses.

Customers that wish to send emergency cash abroad can do so using the Barclays emergency cash transfer process if the recipient banks with Barclays. Customers wishing to transfer emergency cash to non customers have been advised to contact Western Union.

Barclaycard added that it would consider all requests for credit limit increases from stranded credit card customers sympathetically.

Customers that are unable to get their flight rescheduled or get a refund from their airline can call Barclaycard to discuss a refund.

Barclays Business
Barclays Business will be offering a financial support package to all of its affected business customers which include repayment holidays on existing and new loans, and extending overdraft facilities.

For businesses impacted significantly, contingency plans such as temporary overdraft extensions and capital repayment holidays can be implemented. In addition, Barclays are offering access to Barclays Corporate meeting and conference resources through the bank's international network and Latitude Club facilities.