Bank customers finally have a benchmark by which they can judge the service and treatment they are receiving from their bank. A Bank's Charter for Personal Customers has just been issued by the Irish Bankers Federation, the voluntary body representing the major banks. The charter sets out the definitions of, and standards which will apply to various bank products and services. It notes that the provisions and spirit of the charter will now be taken into account by the Ombudsman of the Credit Union who adjudicates on customer complaints against banks.

The charter sets out the responsibilities of the banks on issues like confidentiality, data protection, the opening of an account and the sale of savings and investment products.

It refers to the codes of practice and information which apply to the provision of credit cards, to borrowing and to the charging of interest on loans. It also makes reference to the thorny issue of passing information about you or your account to non-bank affiliates of the banks, such as their life assurance companies. (The charter makes it clear that personal information will not be passed on without the express consent of the customer.) Copies of the new charter, which the banks promise will be reviewed regularly, are available from all member banks or directly from the Irish Bankers Federation, Telephone 671 5311.