Natwest misleading.

FreddoFreddo

I moved home several months ago, and I recently turned sixteen and needed to change my address. On friday, after checking the website (which informed me I could do this over the phone), I called them, and was told I would need my customer number which I should have been given when I originally got my Adapt account.

I wasn't given that. I explained I had no time to go into branch as I haven't finished highschool yet and just simply do not have the time. Then I was tol dto activate online banking and get a card reader for my customer number, but I'd need to change my address. I was basically told I can't get online banking without my address changed, and I can't get my customer number unless I change my address - and that I can't change my address without this number!

So today, I enrolled in online banking but didn't order a card reader. Great, I have my customer number now, so I called them up, and was told that I still couldn't change my address over the phone, even though I was told on friday, and TODAY, that I can do it with my customer number. I was told my only option is to write to my branch, which I cannot do either.

Can someone explain to me how I can actually change my address if I simply do not have the time to go into my branch and queue until closing time as it's always so busy, and whether I can actually complain about this, as I am seriously considering closing my account.

opinions4u

I explained I had no time to go into branch as I haven't finished highschool yet and just simply do not have the time

Late afternoon? Saturday morning?

I was told my only option is to write to my branch, which I cannot do either.

Any particular reason? Disability perhaps? Pen, paper, envelope and stamp? Or laptop, printer, envelope and stamp?

Odds on a troll I suppose.

whether I can actually complain about this

Yes, you can complain. Try writing to their complaints department or visiting the branch ...

chambta

How will you close the account without being able to either visit the branch or send a letter?

gazfocus

Why can't you write to your branch?

powerone

FreddoFreddo wrote: »

I wasn't given that. I explained I had no time to go into branch as I haven't finished highschool yet and just simply do not have the time. Then I was tol dto activate online banking and get a card reader for my customer number, but I'd need to change my address.

Do kids in the UK call school 'highschool' He is so busy watching neighbours that he cant get to a branch. I am not sure how the account was opened.

I would say this was a windup. As everyone knows that they must change the address or someone will get hold of your details. That leads to so much trouble.

powerone

you need to be over 16 for online banking. .

Only for services that are available with NatWest Adapt. This means for example that you will not be able to set up direct debits or standing orders or apply for any credit products like overdrafts or loans.

so would you still get a card reader?

stclair

You can change your address over the telephone as long as you know account number and sort code and telephone banking PIN.

Your customer number is not required for activity done over the telephone.

You could print this off and send it to your local branch as an alternative:

http://www.natwestglobal.com/downloads/nw/natwest_change_of_address.pdf

FreddoFreddo

Thanks for the helps. I'll get my mum to print off the form and post it for me at work.

Just to clarify, I am in my final year of school, I am now 16, and am in fact, female. I can't get to the bank as it takes me an hour to get to my branch, the nearest post box is an hour away and me, nor my family can't even afford a stamp. My adapt account now allows online/phone banking as I now qualify, and can't get a card reader until I change my address.

I applied for the account online and my mother took my identifications to the bank as I spend most of my time studying - the only way I am posting this now is that I have insomnia and issues that disrupt my schooling, so I have to spend a lot of time off and study through my free time as I have to take absences to try and sleep.

powerone

Fred it desont matter if you are female / male or other on here.

I dont understand why your mum couldnt help you write a letter in the frst place. I am sure that she would have if you asked / informed her that she had forgotten about this account.

You also need to write a letter to Royal Mail and inform them that you are in part of the country they have forgotten about. I have family in the country they are never that far away from a post box. Well unless they are on the way home from the pub, but thats another matter.

http://www.natwest.com/personal/more-ways/g4/natwests-mobile-banking-service.ashx
Are you not in the areas covered by the battle bus. Natwest try to cover the whole country.

As you state you have a school how do your school friends handle their letters. Maybe their is a post box down a secret street, maybe your road.

Sceptic001

FreddoFreddo wrote: »

...the nearest post box is an hour away...

Wow! Where is this place? How does your school deal with outgoing mail?

infomonkey

Use a common search engine (google) and type in UK postbox finder and a link will come up (I cant post links yet too new)

Also NatWest are open on Sat AM so arrange to go in then. Quite simply if you do not have time then you need to FIND time to go to the bank and deal with it.