Exiled down South - problem paying into BoS account

pmduk

interbear wrote: »

OK so I called Bank of Scotland customer relations. Whilst giving me no reason why Halifax Agencies would no longer transact cheque payments into my BoS Reward account over the counter, they stated that if the agency were adamant that this was the correct policy, they must be right and that my only option would be to post cheques up to my branch in Scotland, get an electronic fund transfer into my account (like I hadn't thought of that already) or go to a main Halifax branch 20 miles away.

I'd ask them to put their "advice" in writing. Hopefullly thy'll realise how illogical it is.

interbear

pmduk wrote: »

I'd ask them to put their "advice" in writing. Hopefullly thy'll realise how illogical it is.

Absolutely, I did exactly that. I'm not hopeful of a logical response however At the very least I'll get written clarification on what the policy actually is, rather than the conflicting advice I'm getting currently. With a firm answer I'll then be in a position to make a decision as to whether I stick with BoS or open another account with more convenient local facilities, likely either First Direct (HSBC) or Nationwide, both of which are more accessible to me. The reviews on First Direct for general banking seem very positive all round.

A question though - whenever credit is applied for one of the questions is "how long have you been with your bank". I've always assumed that my current answer of +20 years with BoS is a good thing. If I was to answer, 1 month with First Direct or any other bank would that have any adverse impact on my credit rating or worthiness?

glider3560

interbear wrote: »

Absolutely, I did exactly that. I'm not hopeful of a logical response however At the very least I'll get written clarification on what the policy actually is, rather than the conflicting advice I'm getting currently. With a firm answer I'll then be in a position to make a decision as to whether I stick with BoS or open another account with more convenient local facilities, likely either First Direct (HSBC) or Nationwide, both of which are more accessible to me. The reviews on First Direct for general banking seem very positive all round.

A question though - whenever credit is applied for one of the questions is "how long have you been with your bank". I've always assumed that my current answer of +20 years with BoS is a good thing. If I was to answer, 1 month with First Direct or any other bank would that have any adverse impact on my credit rating or worthiness?

Keep the BoS account going, in addition to your new account, then you've still been with them for 20+ years

interbear

glider3560 wrote: »

Keep the BoS account going, in addition to your new account, then you've still been with them for 20+ years

Thanks - a simple yet savvy answer that I hadn't thought of....now, if I can find a way to do that and still get the £5 per month :j

I will now most likely be getting a new account - BoS customer relations just called me to confirm the formal HBoS policy that Halifax agencies are not permitted to do any BoS counter transactions, even if they do offer Halifax counter transactions. No explanation given, just an apology for the inconvenience given that the policy would not be changing. Nonsensical if you ask me, so I'll now do some research on where to move my account.

p00hsticks

interbear wrote: »

Excellent. A move elsewhere beckons, possibly ending a 20 year relationship. First Direct perhaps, I know I could use a local HSBC branch with them. Although having just set up a joint Nationwide Flex account for my wife and I for her day-to-day use and our foreign travels, I'm a bit reticent of applying for another account for myself as it would likely mean another credit search.

If you have a Nationwide ATM near you, then why not simply pay any cheques into the Nationwide account and then use online banking to transfer the money over to your existing BOS account.

I think all Nationwide ATMs have a cheque deposit option - far simpler than having to wait for office opening and then having to queue up inside the branch.

interbear

Decision made - application made to First Direct today. I'll switch and make that my main account, if the application is accepted of course.

Actually feels kind of sad to leave BoS after over 20 years, but that's the sentimental patriot in me!

Thanks for the guidance and suggestions folks.

MoneySavingUser

interbear wrote: »

Thanks - a simple yet savvy answer that I hadn't thought of....now, if I can find a way to do that and still get the £5 per month :j

Faster Payment from FD to HBOS

Though it might take a few days for it to come back to FD from HBOS as their FP implementation is a bit hit and miss