Co-operative bank student account 2011/2012: We want your feedback

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The first thing I received was a letter saying my application has been accepted in principle and they just need me to send proof of ID/address. I phoned up after this because I applied in branch where they took copies of my documents.

From the phone call I learnt that:

1. The letter is produced automatically with the application but as they already had my documents everything was approved and fine, no further requirements on my part.
2. A welcome pack would normally have gone out but they're out of print. Should receive it in the next week.

I also received my cheque book the next day. So I'm guessing they have run out of welcome letters due to the number of applicants (probably thanks to this website to some degree) and that's caused a bit of confusion for people receiving other bits and bobs without it. It's been 2-3 weeks since I applied but everything seems to be in order, they have only been a bit slow due to handling the consequences of offering a good overdraft.

I also tried to register for internet banking but was told I need my debit card first which I should get within a week (after depositing the £300). So hopefully by the end of next week I'll have finished setting up with them.

kateo

circle wrote: »

I also tried to register for internet banking but was told I need my debit card first which I should get within a week (after depositing the £300). So hopefully by the end of next week I'll have finished setting up with them.

That's strange - my son was able to register with just his cheque book - & we still haven't received debit card etc.

NellB_2

Applied for a Coop Student Account on August 18 was told I had been accepted. Then received a letter on August 20 saying to send proof of income and also of course. Sent them back on the same day first class, telephoned a week ago and after waiting for 24 minutes for someone to answer the phone was told that they have been inundated with applications and so are running 9 days behind on opening and dealing with post and the application process is now taking nearly eight weeks to resolve. Was told to give it another week and if nothing received to telephone again. I received a text on Wednesday to say that as they had heard nothing my application has been cancelled. I have tried phoning three times and each time spent more than 20 mins waiting for an answer. Holding again now and so far has been nearly nine minutes. I am going to cancel application as I don't want to be with a bank that has this bad a service even if they do have good overdraft rates.

NellB_2

Oh and this also means I have lost both original documents now at 10 mins and still waiting.

ale321

Customer service very disappointing. My daughter tried to open an account in branch and took in necessary documents but was sent away with an application pack. We were subsequently advised by customer service that the bank should have assisted in completing the application and sending off original identity documents. We then applied online on 8 September and received letter asking us to either send or take into branch original identity documents which meant another trip to branch. On contacting bank today we were advised that although ID information was taken into branch on 16 September it would take another two weeks from today to open the account as the bank had a backlog in verifying ID. There is no prospect of the account being opened in time to receive student finance and pay accommodation fees. We would certainly not have applied to this bank if we had known it would take over 4 weeks from the date of application to open an account.

KSean

Just an update on my application:

I received my debit card through the post today (also my overdraft was activated a couple of days ago) and it says I should receive my PIN some time next week.

Considering the fact that I now have:

- a chequebook;
- the £1.4k overdraft;
- and a debit card.

All without them asking for identification or anything, I called their customer services and they said my account was fully set up and their system said I did not need to provide any proof of address or evidence of student loan. I can understand perhaps the credit check and details from my previous bank was enough for the proof of address, but I don't see how they don't require evidence of student loan. Oh well :rotfl:

Carrw

Hello,
Have been really tempted to go with Co-op 'cause their overdraft is so good.
Tried to set up online, but got confused when they asked me for my gross income, since I live with parents and have never had anything of the sort.

Went into my nearest branch today, which is 2 hours away, to try open an account. They said to use an application form, but they have none left, so go do it online.

After reading this forum, I'm not sure I can be bothered with the hassle. They've obviously over-run 'cause of their lovely overdraft. I'm pretty good with money, wouldn't want to go into my overdraft anyway, so is it really a benefit? :S Plus, at Uni my nearest branch is a train journey away.

I'm going to Uni in 10 days. Do you think it's worth it to try get an account with the co-op?

My other option is Natwest who have a branch in my hometown, and on campus.

KSean

Carrw wrote: »

Hello,
Have been really tempted to go with Co-op 'cause their overdraft is so good.
Tried to set up online, but got confused when they asked me for my gross income, since I live with parents and have never had anything of the sort.

Went into my nearest branch today, which is 2 hours away, to try open an account. They said to use an application form, but they have none left, so go do it online.

After reading this forum, I'm not sure I can be bothered with the hassle. They've obviously over-run 'cause of their lovely overdraft. I'm pretty good with money, wouldn't want to go into my overdraft anyway, so is it really a benefit? :S Plus, at Uni my nearest branch is a train journey away.

I'm going to Uni in 10 days. Do you think it's worth it to try get an account with the co-op?

My other option is Natwest who have a branch in my hometown, and on campus.

They're probably not worth it no, and the chances of them getting you set up in 10 days are pretty much nil.

Natwest/RBS offer a decent, tiered overdraft (£500 in the first term, £750 second, £1000 third) which can rise in 2nd/3rd/4th year. If you make an appointment at the branch to open an account it'll all be set up there and then, infinitely quicker than Co-Op (remember to take relevant documentation!)

I personally tried to open an account with RBS (which Natwest are a part of, and they both offer basically the same student account) before considering Co-Op but got declined for some unknown reason.

Renya

I opened a student account with the Co-Op last year, for some reason I didn't get the card or cheque book until earlier this year.

Overall I'm quite happy with it, I was told that once I'd deposited the £300 I would automatically be sent the card but it turned out that wasn't the case and had to ring again, it was a bit of a faff to get the internet banking set up as well, but no further problems with them so far.

My nearest branch is about 45 minutes away, but hopefully any problems can be sorted over the phone.

pamukov

Hi everyone,
Thought I would give my opinion on the student account from Co-operative bank.
I applied for an account when I didn't qualify as a student (banks usually say you have to do a min 2 year course on HNC level and upwards to be a student) and they accepted me. I have had my account for a year now and didn't have any problems with them. They are a good bank as far as my experience goes with them, they didn't bother me or try to urge me to pay my overdraft back. They even offer you a year after your course is finished to pay the money (which is a very generous interest free overdraft). The only issue I am having is trying to reach them on the phone. The bank itself has a very good call centre but the student accounts department can take ages to reach. Also, I tried to go into one of the branches and they just put me on the phone to student accounts - this saves you money on the phone bill but doesn't give you a quicker resolution if you have a problem. Overall, I need to say that I am pleased with Co-op but there is room for improvement in the customer care department. I hope this helps!