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As more and more people rely on credit and debit cards to cover everyday expenses, Citizens Advice calls on banks to make sure that they ensure customers always have access to their money.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of National Charity Citizens Advice said:

"It's unacceptable for banking errors to leave customers unable to access their own money. Using debit and credit cards is a vital part of everyday life for increasing numbers of people, and system failures mean that people have no way of getting around or buying food. Customers need to know that their money is there when they need it, so banks must make sure their systems can cope, with problems resolved quickly and customers properly compensated when things go wrong.

"Quite rightly, RBS has promised to compensate customers who have lost money due to the glitch in their systems yesterday evening. If you have been affected, contact your bank who should refund any incorrect transactions, fees or charges caused by the glitch. The seven day switching service has given customers the power to vote with their feet, which should encourage all banks to raise their game.”

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.

2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.

3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at www.adviceguide.org.uk

4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers

5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.6 million problems from April 2012 to March 2013. For full 2012/2013 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends

6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 22,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.