Is it so strange to want a second current account?!

cardiffgrad1

I've wanted to get a second account for a while, as a back-up if anything goes wrong with my current account and also for budgeting reasons.

So..I applied to Barclays over the internet. Was told I needed to bring ID into branch. Took all my ID in today.

After a long wait, the cashier frowned when I said I wanted to open a secondary account as a back up but not pay my wages into it. She got all hufferty (if that's a word lol)

"You want a SECOND account?! No, no. You can't do that."

I replied: "But don't lots of people have second accounts?"

She sighed and got out her diary. "Well, you'll have to book an appointment."

I replied: "So..did the internet application not speed anything up?"

Then she said bluntly, "NO. So what you are going to have paid into it? Wages or benefits?"

I replied: "No, as I said to you, I don't want my wages paid into it. But I will pay money into it."

"No, you can't do that."

In the end, I went down the road to Nationwide, who were lovely and were able to set up my bank account today. They even gave me a cup of tea. No waiting. They didn't treat me like a freak for wanting a second account.

I might even start using them as my main account in a few months if everything goes well...maybe I've had a lucky escape with Barclays?! I think it's very short sighted of them to treat potentional customers like this...

Was I being so unreasonable to not want to 'jump ship' straight away and to like the idea of having a second account available?

DCFC79

Well you did the right thing, ive got 4 current accounts well due to 3 soon then 2 once i get my act together. You can have a second current account as my barclay account i have a S paid into it and no wages are paid into it.

staffie1

I'm surprised at Barclays - they're usually really polite and helpful. Still, if they don't want your custom, you did the right thing in going elsewhere.

Mikhail

I've just checked my 'card box' and I have 7 bank accounts. 1 joint, 1 in Euro in the UK, 1 in Euro in Greece, 1 in USD in the USA, 1 current with first direct, 1 backup in Nationwide, 1 for overseas cash withdrawals in MetroBank.

Gromitt

Most odd, I remember going to my local Barclays years ago and asked them about an ISA they were advertising. Within minutes I was sat down with an advisor, and the account was opened. They then insisted I also opened a current account to make it easier to manage my money and to setup internet banking.

I've now got 6 current accounts. I'd have 5, but one of my savings accounts doesn't seem to want to change my nominated bank account, despite agreeing to change it twice already.

Lith

I have 4, (soon to be 5)

so to have 2 isn't strange.... it be wise to have more then 2 accounts anyway.

Plxply

Lith wrote: »

so to have 2 isn't strange.... it be wise to have more then 2 accounts anyway.

Just in case anyone is wondering, it's because you don't want to be stuck with a blocked card in the middle of nowhere

I've had my card blocked by my bank many times before and as I carry little cash I always carry two cards. You never know when your card will be swallowed or generally blocked.

cardiffgrad1

Thanks guys this is exactly why I wanted two accounts - I cancelled my card by mistake a few weekends ago and it was a pain having to wait for a new one. I also thought it would be a good idea to have 2 incase something went wrong with my first account.
I thought the attitude of Barclays was strange too. I don't know if I got unlucky with the cashier or whether this is their policy now - but surely most banks can't be like this otherwise how would people have several bank accounts at the same time?!

DCFC79

cardiffgrad1 wrote: »

Thanks guys this is exactly why I wanted two accounts - I cancelled my card by mistake a few weekends ago and it was a pain having to wait for a new one. I also thought it would be a good idea to have 2 incase something went wrong with my first account.
I thought the attitude of Barclays was strange too. I don't know if I got unlucky with the cashier or whether this is their policy now - but surely most banks can't be like this otherwise how would people have several bank accounts at the same time?!

Is a bit odd re the response you got, think i even managed to get an od of £200 with mine, think i said on the application i would be paying in £200 a month which may or may not have helped.

Your reasoning is the same reason why i have 4 accounts or soon to be 2, just so i have a second account i can use if i lose the card for my main account.