Barclays Current Account application - referred to branch?

MediaFrenzy

Hello!

I applied online for a Barclays current account – received a letter yesterday stating that they couldn’t open the account automatically, but I should go into branch with ID and an advisor would do it.

Has anyone had this letter before then been refused? (Or accepted?) Will I have to do another application in branch or is this just a step to confirm ID?

It would be easier for me if I could post the ID to them but that option wasn’t available; the nearest branch is a trek, especially in this weather.

MF

onlypaddy

probably just to confirm id

are you on the electoral register? they would want proof of address if not

MediaFrenzy

Cheers,
No, I'm not on ER (I know!)
I was expecting to just send the ID in, not go in to branch - maybe Barclays operate differently from what I'm used to.
Thanks for the response.

td_007

MediaFrenzy wrote: »

Cheers,
No, I'm not on ER (I know!)
I was expecting to just send the ID in, not go in to branch - maybe Barclays operate differently from what I'm used to.
Thanks for the response.

It is not unusual for Barclays to ask people who are opening a/c for the first time to go into a branch...this is primarily for cross-selling rather than anything else. I have had to do it even as an ex-Barclay customer when I wanted to open an ISA a/c. Once there they wanted me to open a current a/c and some rubbish savings a/c as well and know when my insurance renewals were due- no thanks!

Extant

Your application has been created and will be visible to the personal banker in the branch - they will just need to add new ID as you failed the electronic method.

It shouldn't warrant a new application.

Extant

td_007 wrote: »

It is not unusual for Barclays to ask people who are opening a/c for the first time to go into a branch...this is primarily for cross-selling rather than anything else. I have had to do it even as an ex-Barclay customer when I wanted to open an ISA a/c. Once there they wanted me to open a current a/c and some rubbish savings a/c as well and know when my insurance renewals were due- no thanks!

It's primarily to verify your ID. If you're on the electoral roll you shouldn't need to go in to the branch at all, and you won't deliberately be sent there for sales purposes.

MediaFrenzy

Thank you for the replies - I'll pop in to the branch when I'm on Xmas leave and let you know the response.
I hope it is just for ID verification - they'll be lucky to get anything else out of me anyway, I already have their CC and don't need any more insurance.
Thanks again!

td_007

Extant wrote: »

It's primarily to verify your ID. If you're on the electoral roll you shouldn't need to go in to the branch at all, and you won't deliberately be sent there for sales purposes.

I was not only on the electoral register but also an ex-customer Banks will try to sell:
1. in branch during a/c opening
2. invitation for "financial review"
3. when you call to "activate" your card

Extant

td_007 wrote: »

I was not only on the electoral register but also an ex-customer Banks will try to sell:
1. in branch during a/c opening
2. invitation for "financial review"
3. when you call to "activate" your card

Yes, banks WILL try to sell. They're businesses. That's not in dispute.

Your statement that the primary purpose of people being asked to go to the branch is to sell to them is in dispute. I say this because I have full knowledge of the process behind Barclays online application.

td_007

Extant wrote: »

Yes, banks WILL try to sell. They're businesses. That's not in dispute.

Your statement that the primary purpose of people being asked to go to the branch is to sell to them is in dispute. I say this because I have full knowledge of the process behind Barclays online application.

Fair point. My view comes from my experience is all that I can say.......further reinforced by being forced to go into a branch to open for e.g. a Monthly Saving a/c if you are a new customer. It was a similar case when I wanted to open an ISA with them. Why can these be not done online like the other a/cs or banks?

Excerpt from website:
If you're new to Barclays you can still apply for Monthly Savings in branch. Don't forget your ID.

Find your nearest branch
ID required

MediaFrenzy

Hello!

Just an update.

Barclays approved my bank account today, went in branch with ID, all good. Will receive a £50 CG Connect card, no OD but 'reserve' facility for emergencies.

No hard-sell on anything else, the assistant was really decent.

MF