Tesco Internet Saver - registration process broken?

bagsacash

Tesco internet saver is not for the faint hearted. Opening an account with them is a right how do you do. It took me 2 months to be able to finally logon to my account.

I have an account number, registration code, security code, sort code, user name and a customer number, I went to logon on today and found I needed the second part of my customer number, which I didn't have so now they got to send out another form for me to sign and send back... then I got to wait for them to send me the details I need to logon to my account. This could take a few weeks.

The most crazy logon procedures I have ever seen, and I've been using the net since 1995, back then yahoo and Netscape were king.

Red_Ant

I agree with all of the comments about the logon process - I've been on my "final warning" twice already.

Another concern is the telephone process requiring you to enter your customer number and characters from your security number via your keypad (which you also use online) - surely that isn't too secure (especially as I'm not sure what then gets passed on to the person who takes the call).

I can see someone setting up a phone answering service on a similar number, and then recording these security inputs - effectively "telephone phishing".

On the plus side, when I'd done that I was put straight through, and the call handler didn't need any more personal details other than to check I knew my name...

PRW101

TPF is a shambles. Opened an internet saver account at the beginning of January - was told today (after pressing them very hard) that I won't get a card reader until at least mid-April. So that'll be three and a half months....

This lot need to have the FSA investigate them - they evidently aren't capable of running a bank. Tesco should stick to selling baked beans.

lipidicman

I'm doing well then. It has been 7 weeks, but I can log in. I even found the register button!

However, maybe some day I will be able to transfer money in. 14 days? Could this not have been done during the 7 weeks that have already passed. Also, is there any chance I will ever be able to withdraw money. What does the card reader do anyway?

cocktail

hi lipidicman,
u can transfer money into the account from your current account through your bank by transfer.all u need is the tesco account sort code and account number.
the rate is going down further next week i heard.

lipidicman

Mmmn, that bonus will be worthwhile then. When rates are 0.5%, 1.5% makes a big difference.

I am however worried about access to my money once Tesco have it. What is/does the reader do?

SavingSteve

bagsacash wrote: »

I have an account number, registration code, security code, sort code, user name and a customer number, I went to logon on today and found I needed the second part of my customer number, which I didn't have so now they got to send out another form for me to sign and send back... then I got to wait for them to send me the details I need to logon to my account. This could take a few weeks.

This is the four digit code you give to them when registering for internet banking.

SavingSteve

lipidicman wrote: »

Mmmn, that bonus will be worthwhile then. When rates are 0.5%, 1.5% makes a big difference.

I am however worried about access to my money once Tesco have it. What is/does the reader do?

The card reader is a security measure TPF have implemented. I have a similar thing with my Barclays account, they call it a PINSentry. Its an extra security measure so that ONLY the person with this card reader in their hand can make a transfer out ouf your account.

cocktail

lipidicman wrote: »

Mmmn, that bonus will be worthwhile then. When rates are 0.5%, 1.5% makes a big difference.

I am however worried about access to my money once Tesco have it. What is/does the reader do?

the card reader is to transfer money out.
you can however ring them to transfer money out if u need it before the card reader and card arrive.
i think there is a lot of hassle and entire threads devoted to this topic but the rate with the bonus is perhaps worth it. reminds me of the hassle with ICICI and they also have/had the good rates. good rates and poor customer service perhaps go hand in hand, personally i have had no gross problems with either, tesco does take a lot of patience though.

no latest news about ICICI stability nowadays. i guess RBS/HBOS and other british 'safe' banks keep us busy.

sheslookinhot

TESCO account is excellent. Within days of opening I was able to make some deposits. Since getting my card reader about 6 weeks after opening account, I have made further deposits from savings I had elsewhere. Totally trouble free.