Barclays Golden ISA feedback 10 March 2009 at 2:18PM in ISAs & tax-free savings 333 replies 46.9K views

Former_MSE_Dan

Hi folks,

Barclays has just launched its new Golden ISA, paying 3.61% AER with a 1% bonus, and has been added to the Top Cash ISAs article.

However, previous incarnations of this in 2007 and 2008 came packaged with nightmarish customer service issues; so much so that we originally intended to warn people against the account if it re-emerged this year.

However, Barclays says it has massively upgraded the appliaction procedure, and promises to pay interest from the day of account opening, which would be a huge improvement on last year.

We want to find out if this stands up to MoneySaver's experiences. If you apply for this account, please click reply and let us know how it went.

Cheers

Dan

adambro

We've already got two other threads regarding this.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1538489
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1544463

joolsybools

Just to say that despite last years co ck up (I, amongst others, never heard anything about my application), Barclays *seem* to have sorted out the application process for this. I did mine online last night in about 2 mins without any probs - I'm an existing customer. They finally seem to have got the application process right - and a compliment is not something I would give lightly about a bank!

Former_MSE_Dan

Hi Adambro,

Thanks for your post. Before starting this, I saw the threads you have linked to and they are great discussions of the product itself. This thread is actually specifically to help us get feedback on the application process, to help us gauge how successful Barclay's customer service changes have been.

Thanks

Dan

Royal_Minty

Simple and quick. I used online banking and got my Golden ISA account opened there and then. :j

john_s_2

As I said on the other thread, my daughter (who banks online with Barclays) opened one in about five minutes. Could have been quicker but I was encouraging her to skim read the T&Cs ;-)

BruceyBonus

I heard that this year the branch staff actually open the account whereas in previous years a form was printed then sent to Glasgow along with the cheque to be processed - is this correct?

StAnToN_2

BruceyBonus wrote: »

I heard that this year the branch staff actually open the account whereas in previous years a form was printed then sent to Glasgow along with the cheque to be processed - is this correct?

Indeed. All ISA applications are now opened in branch, which means no more applications going missing through the internal mail.

Also just to note all ISA servicing can be done in branch, this includes transfers in/out, balance enquiries and such like through the Self Service Kiosk facilities!

dreamypuma

I'll be watching this thread with interest after the previous years farce.

I noticed that applicants that already banked with Barclays seem to have less problems last year than those that didn't. I think this thread would be more meaningful if posters advised on if they already banked with Barclays.

riad_2

Have those who have opened the account online been able to tranfer funds into the account online? (Apart from the initial opening deposit)?

As I recall a major drawback with the previous Barclays ISA's was that they did not allow any online transfers, only allowing you to service it with cash/cheque in branch or over the phone, for fear of you going over your annual limit!

Eric_Pisch

I signed up online this morning as an existing Barclay's customer. Took about 3 mins and the money was transferred instantly