Switching bank accounts

Michelle2010

Hi,

This is my first post here so hello and I hope someone can help with a query I have.

I am trying to switch my bank account from A&L (now Santander) to Nationwide and I seem to be having issues with Santander releasing info to Nationwide on my direct debits and standing orders. I think they are being difficult as I'm a long standing customer and I also have a complaint with them at the moment (they seem to be unable to get my postal address correct on the system despite about 8 phone calls and 2 letters). Has anyone else had this problem with Santander and any tips to resolve it?

Thanks
Michelle

YorkshireBoy

http://www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk/docs/lendingcode.pdf

See Principle 5 on page 36, and make a complaint.

SueC_2

I also recently transferred an account from Santander to Nationwide. It was a nightmare. An expensive nightmare at that - their combined failure to co-ordinate the transfer of my direct debits resulted in me incurring significant charges. And, to cap it all, the service at Nationwide is as bad as it was at Santander. Save yourself the heartache, cancel the transfer while you can!

Michelle2010

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

See Principle 5 on page 36, and make a complaint.

Thanks for this. I'm going to give NW a call tomorrow and see how things are progressing with the transfer and decide whether to proceed with a complaint.

masonic

If you've kept records of your direct debits, all you need to do is make a list of company, reference number and originator ID for Nationwide. You can find the first two using A&Ls internet banking. For the third, you'd need the direct debit confirmation letter you received when the direct debit was set up. For the standing orders, all the information you need is on internet banking.

Ironically, I had a problem switching to A&L, but no problem switching away - although I got out before that particular account was downupgraded.

Michelle2010

SueC wrote: »

I also recently transferred an account from Santander to Nationwide. It was a nightmare. An expensive nightmare at that - their combined failure to co-ordinate the transfer of my direct debits resulted in me incurring significant charges. And, to cap it all, the service at Nationwide is as bad as it was at Santander. Save yourself the heartache, cancel the transfer while you can!

Oh dear this isn't good news! I've already transferred my credits to the NW account eg salary, tax credit, child benefit so need to proceed. If the transfer doesn't get sorted I think I might sort the direct debits myself as I don't have that many.

AnonymousForObviousReason

If you can try and keep enough money in both accounts to cover the direct debits. When going to A&L it was a bit slow but the companies were understanding about bounced direct debits when I explained I was switching. However I did do my standing orders on my own as this was rent and I thought it would fall on the days it would switch.