Natwest step account changes

swingaloo

I went in Natwest earlier today to pay a bill. The cashier told me that I needed to make an appointment to see someone to make sure that I was still happy with the Step account. I told her it was fine for what I wanted and that I only want to be able to do direct debits and withdraw from cash machines, I dont want a cheque book or overdraft. I also told her it was difficult to get into the bank as Im normally at work.

She was really pushy about me making an appointment and said that it was going to change a lot so it was important I came in to see them. I asked what the changes would be and was told that I would only be able to use the card at Natwest banks - no problem, cant use the card abroad, again- no problem.

I said that if they were the only changes I didnt need an appointment to which she replied 'You really do, there are a lot of changes'. I asked if they had a leaflet and was told 'no'.

So I have had to make an appointment, which I will probably end up cancelling.
If there are changes to the terms and conditions on an account, dont they write to you anyway. Unless Im missing something I dont think I need an apointment.
Anyone else with a step account having hassle?

swingaloo

She did say that they are stopping the cards from being used for withdrawals at any other banks machines, I thought they all worked through LINK.

chambta

swingaloo wrote: »

She did say that they are stopping the cards from being used for withdrawals at any other banks machines, I thought they all worked through LINK.

The new equivalent account from Monday will only be operable via RBS/Natwest/Tesco ATMs.

Existing Step accounts are unaffected.

stclair

chambta wrote: »

The new equivalent account from Monday will only be operable via RBS/Natwest/Tesco ATMs.

Existing Step accounts are unaffected.

Whats the new account called?

coolesticeking

Any links to this online? Be interested to read more... Didn't know any changes were about to come in force for the Step account.

Cheers!

chambta

stclair wrote: »

Whats the new account called?

In RBS it's simply called 'Basic'. Not sure on the Natwest version but I'm taking the OP's version of the conversation as proof they are doing likewise. The accounts are going on sale on Monday.

Within RBS the 'Current Account' will become 'Select' and 'Royalties' has been withdrawn and replaced by the 'Select Silver'.

coolesticeking

Makes me wonder if this is a good idea or not, I just hope they 'dont' change this for exsisting customers as the Step account has been highly recommended in the past to others.

stclair

chambta wrote: »

In RBS it's simply called 'Basic'. Not sure on the Natwest version but I'm taking the OP's version of the conversation as proof they are doing likewise. The accounts are going on sale on Monday.

Within RBS the 'Current Account' will become 'Select' and 'Royalties' has been withdrawn and replaced by the 'Select Silver'.

Yeah I actually do remember this being mentioned a few weeks ago now. I did not realise it was happening so soon though. Step account customers are going to be hacked off :mad: I was under the impression only the letters was being started to be sent out from Monday regarding the changes and the changes was going to be implemented at a later date.

madgagoo

chambta wrote: »

In RBS it's simply called 'Basic'. Not sure on the Natwest version but I'm taking the OP's version of the conversation as proof they are doing likewise. The accounts are going on sale on Monday.

Within RBS the 'Current Account' will become 'Select' and 'Royalties' has been withdrawn and replaced by the 'Select Silver'.

Natwest accounts are the same. AFAIK there are now no differences between RBS & Natwest accounts.

Step = basic (Natwest/RBS ATMs only)
Current plus = select
Advantage blue = select silver (few changes & £8 per month)
Advantage gold = advantage gold (no changes)
Advantage private = black

It's not been made clear whether existing accounts will be changed or whether they will stay the same. I.e. Will step accounts only be able to use Natwest ATMs? - wait and see I'm afraid as the branch staff don't know yet.

stclair

madgagoo wrote: »

Natwest accounts are the same. AFAIK there are now no differences between RBS & Natwest accounts.

Step = basic (Natwest/RBS ATMs only)
Current plus = select
Advantage blue = select silver (few changes & £8 per month)
Advantage gold = advantage gold (no changes)
Advantage private = black

It's not been made clear whether existing accounts will be changed or whether they will stay the same. I.e. Will step accounts only be able to use Natwest ATMs? - wait and see I'm afraid as the branch staff don't know yet.

I can imagine they would still be able to use all the groups ATMs and vice versa.

cbassno3

madgagoo wrote: »

Natwest accounts are the same. AFAIK there are now no differences between RBS & Natwest accounts.

Step = basic (Natwest/RBS ATMs only)
Current plus = select
Advantage blue = select silver (few changes & £8 per month)
Advantage gold = advantage gold (no changes)
Advantage private = black

It's not been made clear whether existing accounts will be changed or whether they will stay the same. I.e. Will step accounts only be able to use Natwest ATMs? - wait and see I'm afraid as the branch staff don't know yet.

I have only recently switched to Natwest and I hold a step account. I really hope existing customers aren't going to be affected by these changes. I've been impressed so far with Natwest, but I don't like the idea of having to withdraw money via Natwest/Rbs ATMS. I know there is ways round this I.E Cashback from outlets but this is a step back for the step account. I also have Advantage blue and £8.00 is not bad but are they going to include anything else in the package account?