Free case of wine when opening Smile current account

MSE_Martin

IMPORTANT Updates 10.27am, Thurs 24 Sept

1. Smile Account closed. Due to huge demand generated from this going in the weekly email, Smile have told us they've reached their limit of accounts early, and have closed the deal to new applicants.

Well done anyone who got it in time, and if you didn't, better luck next time. All top deals go in the free weekly email.

2. Confirmation of A&L free £100. Sadly there was a typo appeared after incorrect proofing in some versions of the weekly email that said you could get Smile only if you properly changed account but A&L without doing so. This was the wrong way round - its correct everywhere on the site, and we've put a holding page up for people who clicked the A&L tip link. Apologies.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] What's the deal?[/title]
Internet Bank Smile, part of the Co-Op, is offering a free case of wine (12 bottles) for customers who open its current account, you don't actually need to bank there though.

To get the voucher you must open the account before Thurs 1 Oct and pay in £800 for 2 months, one payment in Oct and one payment in Nov (although you have until 2 Dec to make the Nov payment).

Importantly you don't have to keep the cash there, you can withdraw it nor do you need to switch over your direct debits.

Then it will send you a code for 12 bottles of wine from Virgin Wines (there is a £6.99 charge for delivery).

The codes should be despatched by email on 3rd Dec.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] Should I do it?[/title]
Do beware opening a current account means a credit search on your file, so only those with good credit histories should do this. Or if you're planning on applying for something that will give you another credit check soon, it probably isn't worth risking it.

Obviously you have to have the cash available and transferring/withdrawing it will take around 3 days, so bear this in mind before you apply.

This offer is only available to customers who are residents in the UK (except Channel Islands and Jersey). This offer is not open to existing smile current account holders or those that have had a smile current account in the last year.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] Is the account any good?[/title]


The account currently pays just 0.12% AER on credit balances but as part of the Co-Operative, Smile is known as a more ethical bank. There are other current accounts with better offers...

• Free £100, travel insurance & 0% overdraft. New Alliance & Leicester* customers get a year's 0% overdraft, free annual travel insurance and a £100 sign up bonus, though you do need to switch your bank account for this one. More info and options in the Best Bank Account guide for full details.

• Alternative wine voucher. Switch both your gas and electricity via comparison site Uswitch* using this special link and it will give you the same wine voucher. Full info in Compare Energy & get cashback guide.

[title=http://images2.moneysavingexpert.com/images/dp/wtd_underline.gif] Safe Drinking[/title]
This is a fun deal, but please drink sensibly... see Drink Aware for more info.

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[thanks]Thanks to MoneySaver billbob for this fab spot! This post has been inserted to give a detailed guide[/thanks]

* Using these links helps the site stay ad-free and free to use, as they're 'affiliated links' which invisibly take you via commercial price comparison services like Moneysupermarket or Find, which then pay this site per click.

You shouldn't notice any difference, the links don't impact the product at all and the editorial line (the things we write) is NEVER impacted by the revenue. If it isn't possible to get an affiliate link for the best product, it is still recommended and still included. The following alliance-leicester.co.uk, uswitch.com are an identical unaffiliated link provided for the sake of transparency. Click the following link for more details on how this site's financed.

billbob

Just seen on Smile's website that they are offering a free case of wine when you open a current account and deposit £800 over two months. Sounds like a great offer to me...anyone else?

chambta

billbob wrote: »

Just seen on Smile's website that they are offering a free case of wine when you open a current account and deposit £800 over two months. Sounds like a great offer to me...anyone else?

Doesn't seem a bad deal. Not a wine drinker myself but could always use for Christmas presents if the code arrives in time. Rather have cash personally.

mr_fishbulb

Did this a few years ago. If you are into your wine, you won't be impressed with the quality. Otherwise it's good for plonk.

co123456

Also did this a couple of years ago. Once I'd closed the account it took them ages to inform the credit reference agencies that I was no longer enjoying their overdraft facility.

brindy_2

This is a terrible 'tip'. You'll get credit searches and a whole load of hassle (moving direct debits, etc) just to get a free box of wine, which you have to pay postage for.

If you're that desperate for a drink, go buy a bottle of meths.

willywillwill

Brindy, brilliant response - some opportunities it's not worth chasing and I think this is one of them

Former_MSE_Dan

Hi brindy,

With this Smile deal, you dont have to move any DDs or Standing Orders, just pay in £800 for two months, which you can withdraw after its been depositied.

HTH

Dan

brindy_2

Ah, I must have misunderstood what was in the email I received this morning:

To get the wine voucher, open one by Wed 1 Oct, and pay in £800/month for two months, though you needn't keep the cash there, you can withdraw it, but you must properly shift to it.

What does 'properly shift to it' mean? To me that implies moving DDs, etc over.

Cheers,
Brindy

topherknowles

I did this when it was a recommend a friend offer about 12 months ago, it doesn't have to be your main account at all but it quickly became mine!

Former_MSE_Dan

Hi brindy,

Thanks for pointing that out - unfortunately there was a mx up in the two sentences in the weekly email.

Smile - you dont have to switch to get the wine

A&L - you do have to switch

We've amended the on-site version of the weekly email.

Thanks again, and sorry for the slip!

Dan