How long does it take Natwest to open a current account?!!

Hooloovoo

I filled in the online application on Thursday 10 November. It took them until Wednesday 16 November to send me the form to sign and ask for ID.

I took the ID into my local branch on 17 November, they photo copied it and sent it off.

I didn't hear anything so I queried it in branch on 22 November. They said the account had been opened that day. I still haven't received my account details, my card, or any other acknowledgement.

It's been two weeks today since I filled in the application. If this is an example of their customer service I think I've already made a big mistake!!

I remember opening my first bank account when I was a child. I walked into the bank, filled in the form, and walk out ten minutes later with an account all set up and ready to go. How times change!

older_wiser

Things have changed they need more information when opening an account. The initial time from the 17th to the 22nd is about right maybe a day or so late. When i opened my select natwest account mine was opened the same day i took my ID into branch. I went out of the branch with my account number although the card pin came about a week later. Did you request an overdraft ? perhaps thats the reason why it wasn't opened the same day. My experience with both natwest and santander have been very good. But i havent't had much to do with either banks customer services.

Cherry_Bomb

I've just recently opened a current account with Natwest. From applying to receiving our cards in took around 3 weeks.

When you took your ID into the branch they should have given you a letter with your account number on it. I'm assuming you didn't get this?

jen245

I opened mine last year, and it took 2 weeks from application to getting my debit card. I got my form to sign within 2 days, signed it, sent it back (didnt need any ID as Im on the ER and already had a savings account with them), got my cheque book and welcome pack 7 days later, followed by my PIN and debit card. I switched from Santander, and have been very happy with Natwest

Hooloovoo

No, I didn't get anything when I took my ID in. They just sent the paperwork off. The account wasn't opened for another three working days.

No, I haven't requested an overdraft, don't need one.

I'm on the ER so that shouldn't have been a problem.

I've just had a text message saying my debit card and PIN have been ordered and should arrive in 2-3 working days. That puts it to early next week.

So that's nearly three weeks to fully open the account, the same as Cherry_Bomb. So I guess that's normal. Personally I think that's shocking! But maybe I'm just impatient.

older_wiser

yes mine was about three weeks also and i applied online so i think three weeks is the norm for natwest.

You could have applied in branch and had it open far earlier.

labp04

Hooloovoo wrote: »

I remember opening my first bank account when I was a child. I walked into the bank, filled in the form, and walk out ten minutes later with an account all set up and ready to go. How times change!

'erm, yep, this is still possible eg MetroBank who also provide a range of other "friendly" (eg free cash withdrawals abroad and no charges for using credit card abroad) services. OK, their sign-up process might take 20-30mns but they are handy if you are reasonably local or good if you want decent customer service and are prepared to travel to a branch to sign up.:j

Hooloovoo

older_wiser wrote: »

You could have applied in branch and had it open far earlier.

I wish I had now.

older_wiser

it shouldn't be too long now before you get your card and pin. good luck

silvercar

I got my card and pin before the paperwork. In fact I couldn't verify the card or get online banking until the paperwork eventually came through with the account number.

5 weeks later and I'm still waiting for my cheque book. Been into the branch and it's a problem with the back office ordering system, whatever that means. Local branch manager is meant to be sorting it, but nothing as yet.

KingElvis

It takes AGES !!!!!!

I did this around two years ago and if I remember, there was endless faffing around and it took between 3 and 4 weeks in the end.