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

Hooloovoo

I finally had a text message saying my card and PIN have been ordered and will arrive in three working days.

Crikey. This is just unacceptable. If it carries on like this I'll be moving to a different bank before this one is even open.

I filled in the online application on the evening of Thursday 10 November. They should have printed the form on Friday, arrived on Saturday, took ID in on Monday, account opened Tuesday, account number arrive through my door Wednesday 16. As far as I'm concerned I should have had this set up and working with online banking activated a week and a half ago.

Shocking.

older_wiser

to be fair to any bank the timescale you've suggested is unrealistic IMO. perhaps if you'd done the application in branch but even so i doubt many banks would be able to achieve your timescale. Natwest took me about three weeks my santander slightly less both were done online.

Gromitt

I think they can do it much quicker if they are able to do much of the work electronically, such as verifying your identity and credit status.

For example, I applied for a Halifax Reward account last Saturday. I noticed a credit search on my file this Tuesday and I found my debit card in the letter box yesterday. So a week to receive my debit card. Considering how long it can take royal mail to deliver post this time of the year, I wouldn't say that was bad at all.

money_grows

Hi,

I'm with Natwest a realistic timescale would be two weeks.

Some times going to branch will be slightly faster than doing an application online.

older_wiser

I think gromitt makes a good point i opened a natwest first reserve savings account in branch a month or so later and my new savings card arrived in less than a week. 3 weeks is far too long but its upto you whether you switch banks once you've got everything.

Hooloovoo

Gromitt wrote: »

I think they can do it much quicker if they are able to do much of the work electronically, such as verifying your identity and credit status.

Yes, it does mention at the start of the application that they "may" be able to approve you straight away if they can verify your details online.

I'm not sure why that didn't work. When I renewed my driving license recently they checked all my details against my passport immediately and electronically. I'm on the electoral roll. I know my credit file is good. I don't know what they couldn't check electronically.

weeallyes wrote: »

I'm assuming you didn't get this?

Get what?

Hooloovoo

I've finally had my PIN and cheque book arrive today. No card as yet though.

I've also had a letter telling me my internet banking number and to expect the activation code soon.

In the interests of fairness, the two letters are dated 23 and 24 November which was the middle of last week. Maybe the postal system is just messed up right now as we approach Christmas.

Hooloovoo

Finally got my debit card yesterday.

Now I have to wait another three days for the online banking activation code to arrive. Despite it saying if you have a debit card they "should" be able to give you access to online banking immediately.

This fiasco just gets worse!

Hooloovoo

Eventually got access to online banking and my VISA card activated.

Now I discover there's another week delay because I have to order a card reader before I can actually do anything useful with the online banking!

I thought Natwest didn't use the bloody card readers?

This is just getting silly now.

jen245

You only need the card reader for setting up a new payee and to make the first payment. If you need to send a payment urgently, ring telephone banking and they'll set it up for you