Ulster Bank Pathway Account (3.6% variable interest rate for 6 months)

Rollinghome

Stompa wrote: »

I see also that there appears to be no way of withdrawing funds without a card reader. I've just ordered one, does anybody know how long they take to arrive?

You know presumably that other card readers can be used? It doesn't need to be an Ulster one or yours.

I was told when I called that I could also do everything via the 'Anytime phone service'. (Which I assume is correct though was surprised that the person I spoke to didn't know other readers work with their cards.) I found the card was needed to both set up the mandate and make the withdrawal, unlike Natwest.

Stompa

Rollinghome wrote: »

You know presumably that other card readers can be used? It doesn't need to be an Ulster one or yours.

Yes, I'd heard that, but I don't posess another one.

Rollinghome wrote: »

I was told when I called that I could also do everything via the 'Anytime phone service'. (Which I assume is correct though was surprised that the person I spoke to didn't know other readers work with their cards.) I found the card was needed to both set up the mandate and make the withdrawal, unlike Natwest.

OK thanks, that's useful info.

xyz123

Stompa wrote: »

I see also that there appears to be no way of withdrawing funds without a card reader. I've just ordered one, does anybody know how long they take to arrive?

I think mine arrived in 4-5 days.

ETROL

My account was opened on the 31st December and I still have not received an activation code (for using their Anytime internet and phone service)

Did anyone else have to wait this long?

cottager

ETROL wrote: »

Did anyone else have to wait this long?

Yes, but I think more to do with postal delays, initially the holiday break and then the weather (3 days last week when Postie couldn't get through).

Dated 18/12 - Opening confirmation/account number etc (received 23/12)
Dated 18/12 - PIN for Cash Card (received 23/12)
Dated 19/12 - Customer number (received 23/12)
Dated ? - Cash Card (received 24/12)
Dated 23/12 - Activation Code (received 08/1)

Stompa

ETROL wrote: »

My account was opened on the 31st December and I still have not received an activation code (for using their Anytime internet and phone service)

Did anyone else have to wait this long?

Yes, my activation code took a long while to arrive.

bryanb

Mine's all set up now. The money is on the move from Coventry BS via HSBC and then to Ulster.
Does anyone know how long before it can be transferred out of HSBC? It will arrive today by faster payment.

Stompa

bryanb wrote: »

Mine's all set up now. The money is on the move from Coventry BS via HSBC and then to Ulster.
Does anyone know how long before it can be transferred out of HSBC? It will arrive today by faster payment.

Just a thought, but why go via HSBC? Surely Coventry BS will let you transfer directly to Ulster?

johnmoney05

Stompa wrote: »

Just a thought, but why go via HSBC? Surely Coventry BS will let you transfer directly to Ulster?

Just another thought, Coventry can't do faster payment out, but HSBC can. But Coventry to HSBC might be instant? I guess....

gvlewis

Not too happy with the Ulster Bank.

I sent in my application on the 14th December but the account wasn't opened until the 30th December. I have just been on the phone to them and they advise they didn't receive my paperwork until the 24th December - 3 days after they reduced the interest rate.

10 days seems a extraordinary long time for a first class package to take through the posting system - even when accounting for 'Christmas Post'. Sounds to me like Ulster Bank may be using 'Christmas Post' as an excuse to save money by opening the new accounts at the lower rate of interest. Has anyone else experienced similar problems?