Natwest step account closing

cap102x

So Jen - why the need for a new card?

BabbaBlue1

Even though its not very nice what they have done to all Step Account holders, its the folks that live no where near Natwest or RBS ATM,s that I feel sorry for. Personally I live very close to a town centre which is quite large. Even still, my Natwest Branch is still only open 3 days per week and we only have 1 RBS ATM which is nearly always out of service! And to top it all off we don't even have a Natwest ATM!!! If that's the situation for me and I live near a large town, its going to be a lot worse for people who live in more rural areas! I asked the girl behind the counter why they have done this to us and she replied that Barclays and LloydsTsb are charging to much money for us using their ATM,s and we are not prepared to pay it any more. In that case I said why isn't every Natwest Current Account holder being treat the same, not just the Step Account holders. Her answer said it all "BECAUSE IT'S IN THE BANKS BEST INTEREST TO DO IT THIS WAY". What more is there to say to that!!!!!!!:mad:

jen245

JamesinLeeds wrote: »

Slightly aggressive reply, which confuses me! I dont want to change banks, I have been with Natwest with those account details for a long time, and really dont want the hassle of changing forced upon me. If I want to change, I'd like it to be for my own reasons.
Also, the FOS are concerned, banks have a duty to deliver good customer service - and as these changes deliver nothing positive for the consumer at all it is in contravention of this. They have agreed to take up the case - which they dont do in all instances.

Lloyds may do this, and other banks may follow - however, my concern is with Natwests transition.

The accounts are changing, you have the choice to either accept it, or move. The FOS have no say in what accounts banks offer their customers, and what Natwest are doing has nothing to do with customer service. Natwest have given you the choice, to transfer to the Basic account, or pay for the Select Silver account, you obviously dont want to do either of those, so the choice is yours

jen245

cap102x wrote: »

So Jen - why the need for a new card?

I dont know to be honest

JamesinLeeds

You clearly view this as a rational move on the part of the bank - and consumers as powerless to act in certain circumstances. If the choice is so clear cut - why the long forum? I'm mainly confused as to why you contribute to it when you see the choices as stark.


<- I assume this is fairly meaningless to you!!?!

cap102x

jen245 wrote: »

I dont know to be honest

Thanks anyway - If the Select Silver account is not a Natwest Select current account with added benefits then they should just come out and say it. I would prefer the bank be honest. If I am being offered a 'Basic Silver' account then tell me - I am a grown-up; I can handle it. It's the stealth upgrading/downgrading that is annoying.

spingoblin

BabbaBlue1 wrote: »

Even though its not very nice what they have done to all Step Account holders, its the folks that live no where near Natwest or RBS ATM,s that I feel sorry for.

that is my situation, my natwest branch is too far away and there was until recently an rbs atm at a nearby asda and at another asda (further away) there was a natwest atm but now both have been replaced by asda's own brand atm, so for me my natwest step account card which was accepted in lots of local atm's was basically about to transform into a 'post office counter only' card - i've got a select account now but i feel sorry for people who find themselves disadvantaged as a result of the migration.

jen245

JamesinLeeds wrote: »

You clearly view this as a rational move on the part of the bank - and consumers as powerless to act in certain circumstances. If the choice is so clear cut - why the long forum? I'm mainly confused as to why you contribute to it when you see the choices as stark.


<- I assume this is fairly meaningless to you!!?!

How are "consumers powerless to act"? You dont like the changes so do something constructive about it. I used to bank with A&L, Santander took them over and made changes to my accounts I didnt like, so I moved to Natwest, and if they make changes to my accounts I dont like, Ill move again. Regardless of whether or not I agree with the changes, its the banks choice to make them, and its the consumers choice to either accept them or do something about it.

Too many "newbies" come on here whining about the big bad banks doing this that and the other, instead of actually taking a step back, and looking at the bigger picture. You have a choice as to where you put your money. There are plenty of banks out there who would be happy to have your custom

cap102x

jen245 wrote: »

How are "consumers powerless to act"? You dont like the changes so do something constructive about it. I used to bank with A&L, Santander took them over and made changes to my accounts I didnt like, so I moved to Natwest, and if they make changes to my accounts I dont like, Ill move again. Regardless of whether or not I agree with the changes, its the banks choice to make them, and its the consumers choice to either accept them or do something about it.

Too many "newbies" come on here whining about the big bad banks doing this that and the other, instead of actually taking a step back, and looking at the bigger picture. You have a choice as to where you put your money. There are plenty of banks out there who would be happy to have your custom

I agree - We pay for telephones, energy, broadband - why should banking be free!? Just wich the banks would be a bit more transparent.

stclair

jen245 wrote: »

I dont know to be honest

The card will be programmed to use said machines