Why should I have a mobile phone ?

DorsetDave2

I know in this day and age it will be a surprise to some people but I DO NOT HAVE A MOBILE PHONE.
Unfortunately this puts me at a disadvantage with some Banks.

Most Bank's issue customers with a card reader for extra security. I have no problem with this. But recently Santander have told me I must have a mobile phone to fully access my account online. The same applies to Sainsburys Bank. It's something to do with sending you a text code I believe. The trouble is if you dont have a mobile then you have to ring up to - for instance- set up a new Direct Debit or payment. Sainsburys do have a free 0500 number but for Santander its an expensive 0871 number(and only available at certain times)

I think this is a diabolical liberty and makes me a second class customer for not having a mobile. In fact I'm told that mobile phone reception in my area is poor anyway. This is a cheapskate way of providing security for some banks instead of providing you with a card reader. I have had several phone conversations with Santander including asking them to provide me with a free mobile - but they wont of course.

Does anyone know if this is breaking any Banking Regulations ? What can I do to complain and to whom. ? ( I did tell Santander I wanted to complain but heard nothing) Why should I have to go to all the trouble of changing my bank. ?

spenderdave

Can you not use your landline phone in conjunction with the text-to-voice service?
I do have a mobile here, but it spends most of its time switched off - I can manage very nicely without one.

opinions4u

While I appreciate your frustration (and wouldn't bank with Santander under any circumstances) you can buy a PAYG mobile phone for £2.95 (plus £10 mandatory credit).

I would expect family / friends to have an ancient but working phone in a drawer that they'd be willing to give you for free.

I only operate a mobile phone for work purposes. If it wasn't a requirement of my latest job I'd be in your position now! Fortunately my bank also allow landlines to be used for this purpose.

It might be worth asking them how they would deal with a disabled person who is unable to operate a mobile phone. I'd expect them to have a DDA compliant solution in place somewhere in their processes.

Gromitt

It's not breaking any banking regulations as far as I'm aware as you can still use branches and telephone banking to setup payments.

I'm the complete opposite though to be honest, my mobile is regularly in use and only ever switched off whilst I'm sleeping. I don't actually have a land line as I find no use for it when calls from my mobile are free/cheap.

meer53

Gromitt wrote: »

It's not breaking any banking regulations as far as I'm aware as you can still use branches and telephone banking to setup payments.

I'm the complete opposite though to be honest, my mobile is regularly in use and only ever switched off whilst I'm sleeping. I don't actually have a land line as I find no use for it when calls from my mobile are free/cheap.

I'm the same, i pay £10 per month for my mobile, unlimited texts and 300 free minutes (any network mobile to mobile) I have a landline but rarely use it, my evening and weekend calls are free anyway.

Pont

I do not have a mobile phone, I also bank with above mentioned which I access daily online. Just put a silly number in the mob no. box such as 9999999999999 or 000000000000 etc then it's not a problem - they just don't accept a vacant box. Banks, and many other businesses seem to think we're all fixed at the hip (or ear) to mobiles!

Derivative

More worthy of your complaint might be the following:

I know in this day and age it will be a surprise to some people but I DO NOT HAVE THE INTERNET.
Unfortunately this puts me at a disadvantage with some Banks.

That would have real material consequences as a lot of the high rate accounts are Internet only.

NFH

DorsetDave2 wrote: »

The trouble is if you dont have a mobile then you have to ring up to - for instance- set up a new Direct Debit or payment. Sainsburys do have a free 0500 number but for Santander its an expensive 0871 number(and only available at certain times)

This will soon be outlawed when Article 21 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights is enacted in the UK later this year. It states:

Member States shall ensure that where the trader operates a telephone line for the purpose of contacting him by telephone in relation to the contract concluded, the consumer, when contacting the trader is not bound to pay more than the basic rate.

pmduk

NFH wrote: »

This will soon be outlawed when Article 21 of Directive 2011/83/EU on Consumer Rights is enacted in the UK later this year. It states:

Member States shall ensure that where the trader operates a telephone line for the purpose of contacting him by telephone in relation to the contract concluded, the consumer, when contacting the trader is not bound to pay more than the basic rate.

That can't come a minute too soon. Then again it depends how they choose to define basic rate. Our Government isn't consumer friendly, so they'll probably choose the national rate which would include 0845, 0870 and 0871 numbers.

The OP should vote with his feet if his bank doesn't provide him with the service he wants, there's no shortage of others.

rb10

DorsetDave2 wrote: »

for Santander its an expensive 0871 number(and only available at certain times)

You don't have to use the 0871 number - they have another number - 01908 237963.

You can speak to a person 7am-11pm Monday-Saturday, or 9am-6pm Sunday. I believe that their automated service is available 24/7.

samwsmith1

rb10 wrote: »

You don't have to use the 0871 number - they have another number - 01908 237963.

You can speak to a person 7am-11pm Monday-Saturday, or 9am-6pm Sunday. I believe that their automated service is available 24/7.

You can also use telephone banking on 0800 056 6066 or 0800 80 80 80 selecting that you want to manage an existing account.