Natwest Student Account 2009/10: We Want Your Feedback

3v3

I went to the uni branch to open my NatWest student a/c. I had all the documentation I needed with me, so no concerns about being asked to post anything off.

The teller did say that I wouldn't be eligible for the rail card, but, despite that, I have one (Because I am entitled, as others have explained earlier in this thread, plus a thread I created earlier today asking: sorry, hadn't read this one then )

I was given the 1st term overdraft allowance of £500 and the tier system was explained to me.

I also applied for, and have also received, the Student Credit Card (credit limit £500); this I will use for any online shopping I do to take advantage of any student discounts but without risking my bank a/c details online.

I was surprised and absolutely delighted how quickly the cards, pins, activation codes, cheque book, credit card etc came through.

If only SFE was as efficient :rolleyes:

MissPop wrote: »

Why won't he get his railcard?

I think she means he will get it, but hasn't got it in time for leaving for uni?

Madz

I applied online for Nat West student account and although it's been a rainforrest's worth of paper to deal with it's been relatively straightforward. The mistake I made was going inot a branch to ask about the railcard and he categorically said no (I'm 44) I phoned the student servcie number on the paperwork though and they said there would be no problem. It seems the branches don't know what the online bit are doing. Oh, and I was only offered £500 OD for the first term. I'll ask for it to be increased in the New Year, apparently there shouldn't be a problem.

Tribulation

Daughter opened hers about 3 weeks ago.

Overdraft £500 first term rising as others have said earlier in this thread.

Credit card also with a £500 limit.

All received within about a week.

MissPop

So the cheque I sent for my halls deposit in September bounced, and I got a letter saying I would be charged an unpaid item fee for it. I went to my local branch and spoke to an advisor about it, and she said that it was a mistake and I wouldn't have to pay as my overdraft should have been active. So I thought it was all fine.

I've just checked my online statement, and it seems I have been charged SEVENTY SIX POUNDS for an "unpaid item" charge. I am absolutely furious - a) that I was charged when my cheque bounced only because the bank didn't activate my overdraft when they said they would, and b) that they are charging £76 for the trouble! I thought the £15 I was charged on my account with the Abbey was bad, but £76?! They're havin' a laff! Off to the bank in a minute to try and sort it out - that's 6 weeks' worth of food shopping I can't buy now 'cause they've charged me! Student Finance have effed up, so I am relying on my overdraft, and now Natwest have effed up too! Grrrrrr!

archersluck

I had the same probably as MissPop - said I had my overdraft but my accomodation wasnt paid and I was charged as it hadnt been set up. I got the charge refunded though.

I am now in my 3rd year with Natwest - got my railcard fine the first 2 years and it never appeared this time. To cut short a long and frustrating story I finally have my railcard, £15 refund for tickets I had to buy without and a further £15 for phone calls etc. I had to fight to get all of this and they still tell me it was because my account was innactive - I have my loan paid in, all my direct debits out, and nearly £250 of wages going in each week as well as all my day to day spends from that account! I also check my online banking daily - they say you need to have set up online banking to get the card renewed.
I've found the call centre staff and customer service advisors can be very patronising and unhelpful.

MissPop

archersluck wrote: »

I had the same probably as MissPop - said I had my overdraft but my accomodation wasnt paid and I was charged as it hadnt been set up. I got the charge refunded though.

I am now in my 3rd year with Natwest - got my railcard fine the first 2 years and it never appeared this time. To cut short a long and frustrating story I finally have my railcard, £15 refund for tickets I had to buy without and a further £15 for phone calls etc. I had to fight to get all of this and they still tell me it was because my account was innactive - I have my loan paid in, all my direct debits out, and nearly £250 of wages going in each week as well as all my day to day spends from that account! I also check my online banking daily - they say you need to have set up online banking to get the card renewed.
I've found the call centre staff and customer service advisors can be very patronising and unhelpful.

Can I ask how you went about getting the charges refunded? I went to my nearest branch today but they said as it wasn't the branch that I opened my account at, they couldn't help me, and unless there was a system error, they couldn't refund it :mad:

archersluck

MissPop wrote: »

Can I ask how you went about getting the charges refunded? I went to my nearest branch today but they said as it wasn't the branch that I opened my account at, they couldn't help me, and unless there was a system error, they couldn't refund it :mad:

Oh no that's awful. Which branch did you go into when you realised there was no overdraft?
I was at a smaller branch near my campus for that and when I tried to get the charge refunded at the citys largest branch they were unhelpful and said it was nothing to do with them - the small branch did it though.
Did you go into your home branch with your ucas letter etc? I'd give them a ring if your uni citys branches are being unhelpful.

They should refund it as I know they'll have done exactly what they did to me so it is their fault!

Write to customer services if you still have no luck, dont let it drop - thats a lot of money to be charged :mad:

MissPop

archersluck wrote: »

Oh no that's awful. Which branch did you go into when you realised there was no overdraft?
I was at a smaller branch near my campus for that and when I tried to get the charge refunded at the citys largest branch they were unhelpful and said it was nothing to do with them - the small branch did it though.
Did you go into your home branch with your ucas letter etc? I'd give them a ring if your uni citys branches are being unhelpful.

They should refund it as I know they'll have done exactly what they did to me so it is their fault!

Write to customer services if you still have no luck, dont let it drop - thats a lot of money to be charged :mad:

I opened my account at my home branch, which is 90 minutes and a £20 train fare away! The advisor who opened my account gave me the impression that my overdraft would be available the next day, and I had to pay my halls deposit ASAP, so I assumed it was alright! When I went back to check the charge (I got a letter saying I would be charged) I saw the same advisor who said that was an error and I wouldn't be charged. Unfortunately, I didn't get her name, so I can't say "Yes, it was so-and-so who served me last time" *facepalm*

I'm hoping they refund the charge without having to make official complaints and claims and stuff, I'm relying on that money to eat and pay for travel to uni, so I don't have time to wait around!

Mr.Average

I got my rail card and my £500 overdraft relatively quickly so no problems there.

I was just wondering when I could get my overdraft increased for the second term and if it would be done automatically?

teabythesea

Always banked with Natwest and they are FANTASTIC! Any problems? They always help! If I need my overdraft raising they help asap! I love them and because my parents have always banked with them I got free contents insurance. Bonus!