Switched to A&L

tia86

Apologies if I am about to ask questions that most people find obvious, but I have never changed bank accounts before.

Last week I applied online for the A&L account where you gain £100 if you switch your DD and SO across. So far i've had a welcome letter from them.

Can anyone tell me when I can expect to receive a debit card for this account?
Also do they automatically send you details to use internet banking?
I am also a bit concerned as I have some payments coming up shortly, how will these be affected if in 'limbo' between the changeover (i.e. how long will it take, will I notice that these are no longer on my HSBC account??)
Finally, do I need to notify my employer of my change of bank account as I get paid by BACS so not sure if this is one of the automatic changes?? (and if I told them now to be paid on the 20th, would I actually have access to that account?!)

Sorry for all the questions but feeling rather overwhelmed (now I know why i've never changed before.)

Thanks

MCGONIS

Hello. I have also switched too. I want that £100! Hee hee.
The welcome letter does say that during the switch, A & L will not charge you any fees for going overdrawn during the switch process. So keep what you can in your "old" account.

jd87

The process takes ages and you just need to keep track of everything very closely. Check both accounts everyday to make sure your bills gets paid.

Their switching service really is much more hassle than it's worth but you have to do it to qualify for the £100.

Consumerist

I switched last year and it went fairly smoothly.

You may find their website's switching sevice page of some help regarding the process and timings.

Hope this helps.

Edit:

I wouldn't recommend the account. However, it will be good practice for when you move out after you've received your £100.

Make sure you follow their Ts & Cs to the letter if you want the £100. There has been much complaint on this site where people have not qualified for the payment because they missed a deadline or other condition.

You have been warned.

threlly_2

I switched about 3years ago seem to remember being told everything will be taken care of by us -then having to chase them on the phone several times and sending back forms etc.Sadly not impressed with switching service but once up and running the online banking is great able to do almost anything in minutes.Unfortunately they are soon to be swallowed up by Santan nightmare then you will be sorry!

Consumerist

threlly wrote: »

. . . Unfortunately they are soon to be swallowed up by Santan nightmare then you will be sorry!

Yes, that's my worry too.

The £100 and the one-year free overdraft was helpful but it seems clear that the back-room boys at Santander are plotting to rob customers whose accounts they decide to make dormant.

Bosie

I went for this account after seeing the £100 incentive, I've got my internet ID number but no pin? I applied almost 2 week's ago, got my debit card and pin. Nothing at all about the 'switch' so still look at the bank account where the DD's are - they're still there!
The Visa debit card still has A&L's logo on, no Santander branding up to now:D

poddle911

Just keep a close eye on everything. I applied at the end of May, received debit card, log in details and switching info over the next 3 weeks and received my £100 incentive yesterday - yay!

I'm not switching my salary to A&L though, but I believe you have to fill in a separate form for this and give it to your employer.

Bosie, I got two letters about my switch on the same day - one detailing the direct debits and one saying the switch was complete, so it should happen quite quickly.

Bosie

poddle911 wrote: »

Just keep a close eye on everything. I applied at the end of May, received debit card, log in details and switching info over the next 3 weeks and received my £100 incentive yesterday - yay!

I'm not switching my salary to A&L though, but I believe you have to fill in a separate form for this and give it to your employer.

Bosie, I got two letters about my switch on the same day - one detailing the direct debits and one saying the switch was complete, so it should happen quite quickly.

Thanks for that info poddle, wish they would send me my 5 digit pin so I could log in!

Bosie

Funny when you mention something, my pin for internet banking came in the post! Also a letter about them switching my direct debits:p

Consumerist

Just make sure you transfer ALL your direct debits and standing orders. Yes, every single one on the list they send you.

This has been the most common mistake made by those who have not qualified for the £100 incentive payment.

Wouldn't want to see you go the same way.

Keep smiling. :beer: