Metro bank - new customer review

arthur2

I was told recently that they will begin doing Faster Payment Outward in a couple of weeks' time. There is also an upgrade of online banking due before the end of the year, which I was told will allow businesses to operate accounts online which require dual authorization payments.

jjblondie

I opened an account about 6 months ago and am very happy with it, considering I am living abroad so only use the account for my cash withdrawls every couple of weeks. When opening, I had a train to catch so had a deadline of about an hour, and it was comfortably opening within this time period and I was back at the station a happy customer. Though the bank lady forgot to give me my free gift from coin counting once until I asked - that's about my only complaint!

eagleeye

Their credit check software can't take more than 2 address details for last three years.If you do have more than 2 address details for last three years then the account opening process will be delayed as they have to do some manual checks.But some of their experienced bank staff can sort this out otherwise you might end up in another trip to get the cards and cheque book.

[Deleted User]

great bank Metro Bank i found account opening 50 minutes
though a lot of banks around here ive noticed opening late now ie Barclays now open Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Mantzy

eagleeye wrote: »

Their credit check software can't take more than 2 address details for last three years.If you do have more than 2 address details for last three years then the account opening process will be delayed as they have to do some manual checks.But some of their experienced bank staff can sort this out otherwise you might end up in another trip to get the cards and cheque book.

I had this exact problem yesterday when at the Holborn branch. top address had to be temporarily forged to say I was there for 3 years otherwise it had issues. Then they had to go back after authorizations had gone through and put it right. To be honest, I've had worse at other banks. Whole process took 90 minutes and that was for a credit card and a current account with overdraft.

Will still keep my HSBC account as it's useful as they have branches worldwide and I have business accounts with them but if Metro is decent, I may use them for my day to day banking. I'm also in Maidstone so when they open a branch here it'll be even better, but to be honest, I've not been into an HSBC in about 4 years - everything can be done online anyway and Metro bank's online seems pretty straightforward. Took out the account primarily due to overseas travel but have also thought I could use it for any international purchases online (Credit card + no fees) and if I wanted to fix my roof as there are no cash advance fees for a set period (till September 2012), with a APR of 13% afterwards I think. So a bit like time limited Halifax Clarity card.


Overall, I'd recommend them.

Oh and "Hi" as this is my first post on here!:)

adindas

Hi Mantzy
Welcome

Mantzy wrote: »

I had this exact problem yesterday when at the Holborn branch. top address had to be temporarily forged to say I was there for 3 years otherwise it had issues. Then they had to go back after authorizations had gone through and put it right. To be honest, I've had worse at other banks. Whole process took 90 minutes and that was for a credit card and a current account with overdraft.

Will still keep my HSBC account as it's useful as they have branches worldwide and I have business accounts with them but if Metro is decent, I may use them for my day to day banking. I'm also in Maidstone so when they open a branch here it'll be even better, but to be honest, I've not been into an HSBC in about 4 years - everything can be done online anyway and Metro bank's online seems pretty straightforward. Took out the account primarily due to overseas travel but have also thought I could use it for any international purchases online (Credit card + no fees) and if I wanted to fix my roof as there are no cash advance fees for a set period (till September 2012), with a APR of 13% afterwards I think. So a bit like time limited Halifax Clarity card.


Overall, I'd recommend them.

Oh and "Hi" as this is my first post on here!:)

metaphase

Initially tried to open an account at the Tottenham Court Road branch - rather unhelpfully (and contrary to their website) told I needed two proof of address - when they should have at least attempted an electronic check!

Tried again a week later at Holborn - electronic check using driving licence worked absolutely fine! Account open and card printed within 30 minutes, cheque paid in. Totally faultless.

Rather ironically about a week after opening it their customer services people finally got round to calling me back to apologise about what had happened at TCR, not realising I'd already successfully opened an account at a different branch!

debrag

I went into their Bromley branch today to apply only needed my current address which I've been at for just 1 yr. Got a basic account but hopefully I can upgrade later on.

giblet10

Does anyone know how long they take to respond to secure messaging? I wrote to them four days ago but haven't had a response..

System

TBH I've had that with most banks I've been with - secure messaging even with 'online banks' like smile can take some time to be answered, other times the response can be pretty fast. With Metro Bank not claiming to be an Internet bank I usually ring them if I need a fast response and have always had excellent service.