A Natwest worker told a customer who was applying for a loan “all vegans should be punched in the face”.
The customer, who asked not to be named, said she had approached the bank for a loan in Bristol.
She had hoped to get a loan in order to pay for a £400 nutrition diploma, the BBC reported.
The woman said the worker who dealt with her request told her “all vegans should be punched in the face” after he explained vegan activists had drawn pictures of animals with statements such as “friends not food” near his home.
He added he thought vegans were “forcing their beliefs on him”.
The bank has since apologised to the woman and offered compensation of just under £200.
The woman’s application for a loan was initially rejected, but Natwest have since offered to pay for the course.
She told BBC Radio Bristol the worker’s comments made her feel “really uncomfortable”.
She said: “He wasn't happy to be speaking to me at all, his tone was really unpleasant. Being vegan is a lifestyle choice, I shouldn't be penalised for it, especially by a big organisation. It's extremely unfair.”
Natwest told the BBC: “We are extremely sorry for the way our customer was treated by a member of our staff and apologise for any distress and upset that this behaviour caused.
"These comments were wholly inappropriate and we have commenced disciplinary proceedings.
"We have also provided feedback to the relevant sections of the bank to ensure that lessons are learnt so that a situation like this never happens again."
