A&L 'Young Worker' Account and Savings, and Visa question

ChrisJP

Hi,

I just turned 18 two days ago (woo!), and I'm looking to change both my savings account (appaling customer service from Nationwide) and my CardPlus account at NatWest (which is for under 18's, I've had it for a year or so).

I have been checking out a few banks tonight, I saw Alliance and Leicester with their so called 'Young Workers' account where you can also get it linked to their savings account. I think this would be good as I could consolidate all my money to one place, simply moving savings from nationwide to A&L, and likewise with my cardplus account from natwest to A&L.

With the current account I noticed you either get a Visa debit card or a Visa electron. I read that the electron is meant for under 18's whereas the Visa debit is for over 18's. Presumably I'd get the Visa debit card then?
The reason I ask is because I've read all about people having trouble with Electron's in some places, but also because I occasionally like to import DVD's from America, since they are released there months before we get them in the UK. I generally would use Amazon.com for this, however you need a MasterCard, Visa or Amex... So would (assuming I get the visa debit as opposed to electron) my Visa Debit card work on Amazon.com? I heard that Visa credit and debit cards all use the same clearing system or something, so it doesn't matter which type you've got, but then again people say Electron isn't accepted everywhere
I currently have a Solo debit card for my NatWest account, which is fine for online purchases in the UK, but as for overseas online shopping I haven't found a single company accepting it.

And finally, does anybody know if moving to A&L would be my best option? Are there better banks for people my age and situation? (not sure if I qualify as a 'student' as I'm still in Sixth Form (year 13), but I will most likely be going to Uni next year...)
What I'm interested in most is the Visa card which I can use online for particularly American places like Amazon.com, and also a current account and savings account with decent interest rates.

Thanks for any advice/answers.

Kilty_2

I presume they give out Electron depending on circumstances. (Earnings, ability to get credit etc).

I've been told that Lloyds TSB now issue Visa Debit to over 16s on their "Under 19s" account, so that could be an alternative. 3.30% gross interest I think.

As for Electron, I currently have two and haven't had THAT much trouble using it, Tesco won't take it online, few others.

Found that with some websites if you put Electron through as Visa it still works, Vistaprint definately as I've just ordered some business cards

ChrisJP

Hmm.. thanks, I might go in and ask tomorrow, and maybe also check out Lloyds.
Not really bothered about Tesco online though as it's a 5 minute walk from here

gazza1988

i posted this on the end of the best current account discussion thread but nobody responded.

can anyone help me out?

http://www.alliance-leicester.co.uk/currentaccounts/index.asp?page=yw-curr-acc&cm_re=al2cahp-_-04-_-yworkbl&ct=curracchome04 (link to the account information page)

if i open one of these accounts (both the current and savings ones, it seems i have to open a current and a savings account to get the 4.25% rate):

1. is there any limits (i.e. after £2,500 the rate drops to 0.1%)

2. how would i go about changing from my natwest account, would A&L transfer the money, or would i need to inform natwest of me leaving? (ive had the account about 4-5 years now. i had £375 in the account and i got £0.56 interest)

3. can i use the refer a friend option to sign-up? could get myself £50