Barclays Golden ISA feedback

suhow

I had an ISA with Barclays last year which went very well for me but when I tried to open one for my husband they accidently put it in my name too! As I already had an ISA I was worried because you cannot have two in one year. Anyway, after a few letters they reimbused me all the money I paid in plus the interest and sent an apology for their mistake. I decided to go for their Golden ISA this year which I did online and am pleased to note that you can deposit money online too without any hassle. When you open your Barclays online account, the different account numbers come up and you can transfer money from your current account into your new ISA account.

tiff

If you dont already have an account with Barclays, I know you can set up the account by going in to a branch. Can you transfer money into the ISA via internet banking with another bank, or do you have to go to the branch to pay money in?

bingobangobongo

tiff wrote: »

If you dont already have an account with Barclays, I know you can set up the account by going in to a branch. Can you transfer money into the ISA via internet banking with another bank, or do you have to go to the branch to pay money in?

I would also like to know the answer to this. I went in today and setup an ISA using £1 as I didnt know they didnt take debit cards Not sure if I can transfer the money in directly to Barclays ISA using my Nationwide online banking...

tiff

Oh well, I'll find out tomorrow when I go in and ask (and open the account)

kickboard

This ISA looks just like last years Tax Haven Isa which has also has a variable rate which has dropped to 2% ish including the1% bonus (which lasts 12 months from opening). If I remember right it started off somewhere above 3% including bonus. Initially this looks a good rate, but I bet it soon drops, I'm looking around for something with a fixed rate.

Elspeth

GiraffeMan wrote: »

That would suggest you clicked the wrong option. Ring them on 0845 603 0845 as google would suggest and tell them you would like to void it. Then when they close it reapply and open a Golden ISA. Obviously you can only do this within the 30 day cooling off period (from date of opening).

Thanks to those who gave advice on my attempts to open a Golden ISA.

Finally got through on the phone today to Barclays (the normal telephone banking person I spoke to said they weren't able to help me, it had to be the special ISA line, which is only answered standard working hours - not great if you have solid meetings.)

Apparently the cooling off period is 14 days and the 30 days referred to in their letters is just for correcting minor errors (e.g. incorrect address). Today is day 14 from when I applied online so the account can only be closed in a branch. I've been into my local one - might be able to see someone at 4.30 (work willing). Otherwise I'll have to do a transfer of the £1 I used to open the account to another provider...

Gambit

kickboard wrote: »

This ISA looks just like last years Tax Haven Isa which has also has a variable rate which has dropped to 2% ish including the1% bonus (which lasts 12 months from opening). If I remember right it started off somewhere above 3% including bonus. Initially this looks a good rate, but I bet it soon drops, I'm looking around for something with a fixed rate.

If you prefer a fixed rate, I saw the other day that Halifax are offering a 3% fixed rate ISA for 12 months which you can continue to add to until your £3,600 limit. Also it accepts transfers.

I have new money and went for this Barclays Golden ISA but if you have old ISA money and want a fixed rate then the Halifax one looks good to me!

Dollie21

Elspeth wrote: »

I had no problems opening a new Barclays ISA (online).

I'm sure I requested a 'Golden' version, however the letter I received yesterday congratulates me on having opened a 'Cash ISA' and states the interest rate at 0.1% (rather than the 3ish% of the Golden one).

It could just be that I've been sent the wrong letter, but I'll need to put some effort into finding out; and if I have been given the poorly-paying version I'm glad I read the letter carefully!

I also had problems opening a Barclays Golden ISA. I did this by phone yesterday which took 15 minutes, and at the end of it the operator told me he had opened the WRONG ISA - it was the regular Cash ISA paying a low rate rather than the Golden ISA I requested. He said he would correct it as it was a bank error.

I was dubious so phoned back later in the day and was put on hold for 10 minuts so hung up. Tried again and spent another 15 minutes talking to another operator who assured me someeone would phone me back the next day and sort it out. To date I have not had a reply. I wondered if the 'error' was done on purpose... I am not at all happy with Barclays.
Dollie 21

GregH

bingobangobongo wrote: »

I would also like to know the answer to this. I went in today and setup an ISA using £1 as I didnt know they didnt take debit cards Not sure if I can transfer the money in directly to Barclays ISA using my Nationwide online banking...

I have recently opened a Barclays Golden ISA and use my A & L online banking to make payments to the ISA.

Using your Golden ISA account number and sort code you should be able to set up a new payee on your online banking and transfer funds to your ISA as you wish.

Percyqted

tiff wrote: »

If you dont already have an account with Barclays, I know you can set up the account by going in to a branch. Can you transfer money into the ISA via internet banking with another bank, or do you have to go to the branch to pay money in?

I have no Barclays account so I visited my nearest branch today.

Walking in door at 12.10 and told I needed to see a 'banking advisor'. Unfortunately none available at that branch but the nice lady did make me an appointment at a branch 3 miles away.

Went there and saw another nice lady all very pleasent and relaxed. Set up my ISA and was coming home by 1.15 I paid by cheque

Things wot I found out
Without a current account you cannot have on line access, not a problem for me as the money will sit there for 12 months anyway.

The usual ID is needed of course, Passport Utility letter and your N.I. number. As I'd bought their house innsurance a couple of years ago all my details were still on their system.

All in all a quick and easy transation but it might pay you to book an appointment first.