Which Bank Account?

Jib111

I need someones help who has a good understanding of bank accounts.

I am over 18 and have a NatWest Current Plus account with a blue card, they class this as a VISA debit but works like a VISA Electron, so they have to check I have the funds in my account before the transaction will clear.

So I can't use pay at pump, can't buy things on trains, airlines, most internet sites, some shops, really hate this stupid card, makes me feel like a second class citizen.

I am earning over £900 per month, I pay for my car insurance, holidays, and a number of other direct debits, yet they won't upgrade me to a real VISA debit card.

Now I hear Lloyds offer a full VISA debit card for their basic account, but you can only withdraw cash from Lloyds and the Post Office?

What account should I go for? Am I being treated bad?

Thanks for the help peeps.

KierNet

I didn't know that about Natwest! Think I'll have to think about sending in my paper work with them if thats the case!

I've had a Lloyds visa debit card since I was 16, never had a problem with withdrawing money from cashpoints, can do it at work which is a RBS one. Far as I know its the basic one, I don't pay any monthly fees for it.

jen245

The card with the lloyds basic account is not a "full" visa debit. It's the same as the blue Natwest card, with the added inconvenience of only being able to withdraw from lloyds atms. If its a proper offline visa debit you want, you will need to apply for a full current account with another bank not a basic account, as basic accounts all come with full authorisation cards like your Natwest one.

I don't know what sites you are using your card on, but I have one of the blue cards with my savings account, and have never had any trouble using it for online shopping

ironlady2022

A coop current current account, full visa debit card, overdraft available if you want one, cheque book, no minimum payments in per month and a fee-free account. Card can be used nationally in all atms. Can also withdraw and deposit at the post office.

izools

Jib111 wrote: »

I need someones help who has a good understanding of bank accounts.

I am over 18 and have a NatWest Current Plus account with a blue card, they class this as a VISA debit but works like a VISA Electron, so they have to check I have the funds in my account before the transaction will clear.

So I can't use pay at pump, can't buy things on trains, airlines, most internet sites, some shops, really hate this stupid card, makes me feel like a second class citizen.

I am earning over £900 per month, I pay for my car insurance, holidays, and a number of other direct debits, yet they won't upgrade me to a real VISA debit card.

Now I hear Lloyds offer a full VISA debit card for their basic account, but you can only withdraw cash from Lloyds and the Post Office?

What account should I go for? Am I being treated bad?

Thanks for the help peeps.

I would suggest you start by asking Natwest to send you a Servicecard on the account. As long as you have run it well, they should be happy to do so. This is an offline card so can be used on trains and at pay @ pump etc.

If they decline your request, HSBC offer a offline card on all of their current accounts, and are a much more robust bank to be with than Natwest.

I have to say RBS Group (Natwest included) have very good telephone support, something hard to come by in high street banks. The only bank on par with this IMHO is in fact HSBC which is why I have settled with them for my banking.

Give HSBC a shot. Their savings rates are much better, too