Nationwide account

alias1

Hello all,

I had this issue a couple of weeks ago and am still fuming about it.

Basically I decided I was going to close my current bank account.
I went to Nationwide, and requested all the forms to open a new account and never predicted the outcome of this.

• I have a mortgage, and never had problems with it. I always overpay.
• Never had any problems with my bank account or credit cards, these are always paid in full.
• Never had any debts.
• Been working non-stop for the last 8 to 10 years and earn enough to have to pay the higher tax band.

Still, I was refused a normal account, saying that I was only elegible to have a cash card account which is (taken from their website):
"The Nationwide Cash Card Account is our basic current account. This is most appropriate for customers receiving state benefits or pension."

Can anyone explain the rationale in this?
Needless to say I have gone elsewere to take my business, but I still feel like I should make a complain.

apt

No point in complaining now after you have gone off in a huff. Apart from the basic bank accounts like the Nationwide Card Account the banks and building societies are not obliged to offer anyone a current account. You could have asked Nationwide to reconsider and/or explain but that's a waste of your time now you've decided to go elsewhere. I'd guess the answer would be in their quirky credit-scoring system not any sort of personal insult.

alias1

I just needed to take it of my chest.

Inactive

alias1 wrote: »

Can anyone explain the rationale in this?

Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any rationale, just a sign of the times I would guess.

slipthru

I opened a current account with them and recieved a cash card too. Needless to say i have left the account empty and not moved monthly paycheck there.

KTF

I seem to be one of the few people who got a debit card instead of a cash card from them when I opened my account. They seem to be more fussy than most banks when it comes to handing them out for whatever reason.

You could have asked them why you werent offered a debit card rather than take it as a personal insult.

themaccas

We had this problem about 18 months ago when we tried to open a joint account. Got offered a cashcard account only. Then they put OH's details in only and guess what - offered him a current account with debit card, £1000 overdraft and Gold credit card!!! He opened it we waited for everything to come through and then just applied to get it changed to a joint account. We have that for general expenses and my salary and his goes into our Halifax account that we use for all our bills. Seems to work quite well so far. I do prefer the Halifax though we only got Nationwide for holiday use originally.

John_0771

I got a visa card from them (when I was 18 and no income) and this is how I did it:
Logon to their online banking
Click apply online
Open a second flex account
When the stuff comes through it should be visa

EDIT: I'm not sure if this will work with everyone - dont hold me to it.

alias1

KTF wrote: »

I seem to be one of the few people who got a debit card instead of a cash card from them when I opened my account. They seem to be more fussy than most banks when it comes to handing them out for whatever reason.

You could have asked them why you werent offered a debit card rather than take it as a personal insult.

My first reaction when I was told I had been declined a current account, was:
Surely a mistake, I'll get to a branch and sort it out. But, I was totally dismissed. "it's the system, I was told". They didn't even care to double check in case someone had made an input mistake or something like that.

Maybe I should have worded my first post in a different way.
I like to know why certain decisions are made. I didn;t get any answers from them, so I just though of posting here, and get people's opinions.

cheers

Kavanne

John_0771 wrote: »

I got a visa card from them (when I was 18 and no income) and this is how I did it:
Logon to their online banking
Click apply online
Open a second flex account
When the stuff comes through it should be visa

EDIT: I'm not sure if this will work with everyone - dont hold me to it.

Honestly? I doubt it. Your credit score/internal score with them had probably just improved since you last tried.

The online application will tell you if you are eligible for visa debit or cashcard during the application

Geenie

Nationwide are a bit strange at times! When I put a small amount of inheritance into a new account, I was immediately offered a Visa Debit card. I had no other income at the time, so no regular payments going in, but the inheritance being spent. Then a few years back, I opened up a 2nd Flex account online and also got a Visa Debit card for that one!! I was surprised to be accepted, but it came in useful for my gap travelling teen who couldn't get a Nationwide card for travelling.....a must have because they don't charge.

Yet OH who has always had loads more wad then me only has a cash card for his Flex account!! I converted him to Nationwide some years back, but feel embarrassed at my superior position!

I am wondering if they look at your history with them, as I have been with Nationwide since a lass, and my fanatically saving mother opened an account for me when about 15 years old! She used to put a few quid in there every month and when I left home in 1978 had the princely sum of £400+ quid in my book! Which I promptly withdrew and spent of course.:cool:

Often wonder if they link me to my mother via maiden names, past addresses, and assume I am as good a customer as her at saving with them!! They should know that this isn't so after 34 years, but seem to be keeping the faith!