A&L Direct ISA issue 2 closing 11/4/06

Stonk

When A&L recently did a similar bonus-removal-for-new-customers exercise with the Online Saver Issue 2, somebody on here very helpfully posted that you could tell whether you were eligible for the bonus by looking at the first 3 digits of your account number. Similar information might be of use in the case of the Direct ISA, too.

For my part, I have an account that was definitely applied for and opened several clear days before the bonus entitlement was removed, and my account number starts with 608.

Perhaps someone less fortunate can fill in the missing number, when they receive it!

NottsCountyRule

My experience of opening my A & L ISA has so far proved painfree.

My account was up and running on the 11th April, and I transferred £3,000 from my current account into my ISA. The transfer was instant as my current account is with A & L.

I haven't received my welcome pack yet with ISA transfer forms, so I simply printed one of the website and handed it into Leeds & Holbeck (where my previous ISA subscritions are) yesterday.

So far so good (fingers crossed)

I think the key is planning. At the beginning of this year I knew what ISA I wanted to open and made sure come 6th April I was ready to go.

sarymclary

Hi,
I'm new to ISA's so please bear with me, but perhaps you more experienced guys can clarify something for me.
I opened an A+L Direct ISA a/c at the end of March, and got my pack/PIN, etc. I didn't transfer any funds into it before 6th April, but then saw an article which stated you should pay your money into your ISA before this date. What I want to clarify is: my ISA pack states that my ISA is for the tax year 2005/06, but if I pay the funds into it now, does is count as 05/06 or 06/07 tax year. In other words, do I have to open another ISA for the new tax year, and is it worth paying my full £3k into the ISA, or have I missed out?

In my pack it also states 'I apply to subscribe for a Direct Mini Cash ISA for the tax year 2005/06 and each subsequent year until futher notice', will they automatically open a new one for me, and if so, when do they do this?

tipsychick

Hi Sary

Whilst you applied and were accepted for 05/06, unless you transferred the funds in before the end of that tax year, i.e. before 6th April 06, I'm pretty sure you've missed the boat for that year.

You don't need to open a new ISA account for 06/07, if you want to have one with A&L - just put into the one you've just opened. You now have until 6th April 07 to put in your £3K. (No pressure this time round!)

Know that's probably not what you want to hear but basically, I think you've lost the 05/06 allowance but you're obviously still okay for 06/07.

Hope that helps!

presterjohn

I have found A&L to be an absolute nightmare to deal with. Since my partner and I first walked through there doors last year to open up a joint account through to attempting (and failing 3 times) to get a cash ISA going this year they have cocked up everything we have attempted to do everytime. I have no confidence in the staff who all seem to be under 12 and act as if they know everything but seem unable to do anything. All in all no wonder they have to offer good rates because when it comes to customer service they would have no customers at all.

Anon

I opened mine for 2006/7 on 11/4 but the final confirmation only came through on 15/4 - as they were still advertising the bonus at that time, am I right in assuming that the bonus rate applies from point of application?

Also, although they asked to link an account by DD, can I transfer money in from another bank account as they provided sort code, a/c number and asked for ISA number to be put as reference.

Account number starts 608 if that means anything (noted earlier post that suggested number may indicate if you are eligible for the bonus).

Many thanks

Anon

Mikeyorks

NottsCountyRule wrote:

So far so good (fingers crossed)

I think the key is planning. At the beginning of this year I knew what ISA I wanted to open and made sure come 6th April I was ready to go.

Sorry - have to fundamentally disagree that planning is the key. The 'ISA curse' appears to be a pretty random, but roaming more freely in the A&L and Halifax environments. And once you've got it - it's quite difficult to shift. I'm on my 3rd successive year of Halifax problems - and my planning is excellent. It's the Halifax execution that's dire - and that's whether I've opened online or via call centre. But you do appear more prone if you're opening them for yourself / partner concurrently. So, the other half's on her own next year - she's just not aware of it yet!

Keep your fingers crossed. It's beginners luck !!!!!

NottsCountyRule

Mikeyorks wrote:

Sorry - have to fundamentally disagree that planning is the key. The 'ISA curse' appears to be a pretty random, but roaming more freely in the A&L and Halifax environments. And once you've got it - it's quite difficult to shift. I'm on my 3rd successive year of Halifax problems - and my planning is excellent. It's the Halifax execution that's dire - and that's whether I've opened online or via call centre. But you do appear more prone if you're opening them for yourself / partner concurrently. So, the other half's on her own next year - she's just not aware of it yet!

Keep your fingers crossed. It's beginners luck !!!!!

Hi Mike Yorks.

I'm glad you fundamentally disagree!!!

In fairness I can only really speak about my own personal experience of opening ISAs for myself - which fingers crossed has so far been painfree.

But then again I've never opened a joint ISA.

Also it's not really beginners luck as I have been paying into a mini cash ISA with Leeds & Holbeck for 4 years, which is being transferred to my A & L one.

I can see that your experience of Halifax is down to there ineptness rather than your planning. I guess anyone that users this forum is by nature well organised.

My fingers are still crossed!!!

Anon

Anon wrote:

I opened mine for 2006/7 on 11/4 but the final confirmation only came through on 15/4 - as they were still advertising the bonus at that time, am I right in assuming that the bonus rate applies from point of application?

Also, although they asked to link an account by DD, can I transfer money in from another bank account as they provided sort code, a/c number and asked for ISA number to be put as reference.

Account number starts 608 if that means anything (noted earlier post that suggested number may indicate if you are eligible for the bonus).

Many thanks

Anon

In answer to my own questions, as customer services are open, 608 does signify that the bonus is included on my account (CS only needed the first 3 digits to confirm). Money has to be paid in from the nominated account for security reasons apparently.

Anon

lisyloo

Can anyone give me an indication of how long it should take to transfer my ISA from Halifax to A&L.

Sent the form in 2 weeks ago.
Halifax have no record of it so took a second one into the branch.

A rough idea would be useful so I know when to chase it up.