Its not just the rate that counts

eels_2

I decided (at the last minute) to stick some dosh in a mini ISA. I thought I'd start with my main account the Woolwich. Yes they'd love to offer me a mini ISA account. This comes with a new card, whoopee! This card allows me to use an ATM to pay money into or withdraw money from my Woolwich mini ISA account.

I sent them an email asking why I should apply for a mini ISA with the bank that provides me with (almost) all my needs via the internet. It went something like this...........
Why should I take up a mini ISA account and be issued with an old fashioned piece of plastic that I would have to keep secure and another PIN number to remember, when I wanted to use it I would have to get into my car, drive down to the town using precious expensive fuel, pay for parking, walk into the pedestrianised area, avoid the muggers, risk using the ATM that could be fitted with a skimming device all to move cash from one account to another, when all other accounts could be operated via the web?

I got a standard reply saying they couldn't answer internet banking queries without security details. :mad: :mad:

I applied for one with the Aliance & Leicester. I was asked to provide certified copies of identification documents. So I got in the car etc. etc. went to the Woolwich, asked them to confirm that I couldn't operate a mini ISA account via the web and then got them to certify the documents for me as they were out of touch with my requirements. I then pointed out that despite moving here 2 years ago it was the first time I had ever been up to the counter.

Despite the waffle, my point is that some deals may be better but consider how much it may cost you to administer your account e.g. through an ATM.