1. Halifax "Howard" ads

Perhaps inevitably, the Halifax "Howard" ads came out on top of the most-hated list, with more than 10 per cent of the vote. But neither Howard nor Halifax's advertising agency should be too down-hearted - he also received the most nominations in support of an ad. As one reader noted, Howard is the "marmite" of financial TV advertising, you either love him or hate him. If Howard has somehow passed you by, here is what all the fuss is about.

2. Picture Loans.

Wow - no-one likes these. With just less than 10 per cent of the vote, the company that apparently offers homeowners massive loans on the basis that they have a mortgage came second in our vote. The ads have attracted some considerable attention from the Youtube community, where amateur filmmakers have posted dubbed, rehashed and speeded-up versions of the original, giving it a kind of cult status, but for all the wrong reasons. 

3. Shelias' Wheels

The Sheilas may have impressed Pete Waterman, who offered them a recording contract after seeing the ads, but the glittery Australian trio has also proven a bit too annoying for some. They received 6 per cent of the vote for their ads promoting Sheila's Wheels car insurance for women, making them the third least popular financial ad ever. Not everyone dislikes the Sheilas, however. Don't believe us? Check out the pink ladies' fan site here. Sheilas trivia: one of the Sheilas is married to a former Teletubby.

4. First Plus, featuring Carol Vorderman

Carol Vorderman's decision to endorse a personal loan company was always questionable, however there can be no doubt about how irritating the ads are, according to Times Online visitors. "Surely the sight of all those well-heeled people such as Carol Vorderman and others picking up a few more quid while encouraging people to take on loans they will be unable to finance is one of the most reprehensible and irresponsible. Bet they don't need a loan!" railed John. Quite. If its any consolation, the Advertising Standards Agency doesn't think much of these ads either.

5. Barclays

It seems the big high street bank just can't get it right. Three of Barclay's past campaigns came in for criticism in our poll, which may not bode well for their agency. On a Barclays advertisement for home insurance, Rob said: "Do they think customers are more likely to buy home contents insurance from them on the basis that the idea for the policy came in a flash of inspiration to an employee while he was graffiti-ing his girlfriend's back with suntan lotion?" Samuel L Jackson's past appearances for the bank also came in for criticism. To view Barclays most recent campaigns, click here

6. Halifax "Thomas" ads

Thomas Yau can rest easy - he attracted almost as much praise as criticism on our poll, and appears to have become something of a heart throb. One enamoured reader called him "sooooooo cute". However, the appeal is likely to wear off the longer the ads are on TV for, other readers said, predicting their tolerance threshold would decline over time.

7.  Nationwide

That portly, Ricky Gervais-style bank manager has provoked mixed-reactions. Jimmy says: "I like the bloke who plays the slob manager... He's a good actor and at least their writers have finally realised that bank managers aren't like Captain Mainwaring these days." Others were less kind. Ros simply said that "Nationwide's rude manager" is the most irritating ad ever.

Just as well then that Nationwide is investing heavily in an alternative ad campaign that will grace our screens, alongside Mr Benton soon.

8. All banks

An odd nomination this, but worthy of inclusion, as so many readers tarred all financial ads with the same brush. "I loathe every advert! Move over Victor Meldrew, I am after your crown" cried Sue Southern, while Tom ruminated: "Financial adverts are truly bizarre. A lot of banks do seem to still be finding his feet when it comes to brand positioning."

9. Churchill Insurance

Oh no no no no no - His catch phrase might have entered British popular culture, but not everyone likes the Churchill dog. The jowly canine received a handful of votes in our poll.

10. Norwich Union

"Quote Me Happy"? No thanks, said Times Online readers, who would rather switch channels than endure these ads for Norwich Union. 

The rest:

Other ads that received one or more nominations included the Uswitch ad featuring gospel singers, Direct Line, Lombard Direct, Confused.com. Ocean Finance, 3 Mobile, Lawyers4U, Debtmatters, the Post Office and HSA.

Our booby prize goes to Egg, for its "You know where you are with Egg". As Ian, a Timesonline reader, observes: "I can never help but think about the 161,000 people who clearly don't know where they are with Egg." For more on Egg customers' woes, click here