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local RBS branch have not impressed me
Maestro.
Posts: 1,518 Forumite
I currently have a bank account with Clydesdale bank. Excellent customer service if I may say so myself and the local branch is lovely, but I feel that they are becoming a bit... "old hat" now, specifically with the fact that they continue to issue Maestro debit cards which compared to Visa have a low acceptance.
I decided I'd open an account with RBS as their opening hours would be much better for me, and their VISA debit card would allow me to use services like ebay that my Maestro don't work for. At least until I build up enough of a credit history to use good credit cards .
So... I apply online with no bother and get told that I will be sent out a letter and a form detailing what I need to send off to them (or bring in branch) for them to approve of me and open an account.
A few days later I get the envelope in the post and I look at what they need from me. Two things; a document or means of identifying my address, and a means of confirming my identity.
To identify my address I brought in a bank statement from Clydesdale, which they said is fine, and to confirm my identity I brought in driving license, which is where the problem begins. The address on my driving license is my last address - I haven't changed it yet because I didn't move that long ago and I am a bit of a bad one for procrastination.
They said that the old address on my driving license "invalidated it as ID", despite the fact that the photo on it is clearly me, and that a quick credit check would reveal that the address on the card is indeed my last address. I don't understand why it even matters, because the guideline says nothing about the address on the driving license (as long as you are using it as a form of ID only), and it gives other forms of ID that can be used, such as a young scot card and a student ID card, neither of which even have an address on them!
The saga continues though, they said to me a doctor's note would do for identification, so I said I might not be able to get a doctor's note but have an NHS letter from a few months ago, which they said should also be fine. SO after a mad half hour of running around I come back in branch only to be told those two aren't any good either, and that now, I need to phone HMRC and get them to send me out a letter with my tax code, stating that "I am who I say I am".
So... I go away and call HMRC, give them all my details only to be told by the person on the other end that I "failed a security check" and so they couldn't speak to me regarding the issue, and ended the call.
With all of that said and done, I was ready for telling RBS to stick it, but after having calmed down logic says I should try again. What do you all make of this? Am I the nitwit for not changing my driving license or do I have a cause for going in the branch and protesting the decision?
They also kept my paper application in branch when I left so knowing my luck I'd go in on saturday and they'd tell me they lost it!
I decided I'd open an account with RBS as their opening hours would be much better for me, and their VISA debit card would allow me to use services like ebay that my Maestro don't work for. At least until I build up enough of a credit history to use good credit cards .
So... I apply online with no bother and get told that I will be sent out a letter and a form detailing what I need to send off to them (or bring in branch) for them to approve of me and open an account.
A few days later I get the envelope in the post and I look at what they need from me. Two things; a document or means of identifying my address, and a means of confirming my identity.
To identify my address I brought in a bank statement from Clydesdale, which they said is fine, and to confirm my identity I brought in driving license, which is where the problem begins. The address on my driving license is my last address - I haven't changed it yet because I didn't move that long ago and I am a bit of a bad one for procrastination.
They said that the old address on my driving license "invalidated it as ID", despite the fact that the photo on it is clearly me, and that a quick credit check would reveal that the address on the card is indeed my last address. I don't understand why it even matters, because the guideline says nothing about the address on the driving license (as long as you are using it as a form of ID only), and it gives other forms of ID that can be used, such as a young scot card and a student ID card, neither of which even have an address on them!
The saga continues though, they said to me a doctor's note would do for identification, so I said I might not be able to get a doctor's note but have an NHS letter from a few months ago, which they said should also be fine. SO after a mad half hour of running around I come back in branch only to be told those two aren't any good either, and that now, I need to phone HMRC and get them to send me out a letter with my tax code, stating that "I am who I say I am".
So... I go away and call HMRC, give them all my details only to be told by the person on the other end that I "failed a security check" and so they couldn't speak to me regarding the issue, and ended the call.
With all of that said and done, I was ready for telling RBS to stick it, but after having calmed down logic says I should try again. What do you all make of this? Am I the nitwit for not changing my driving license or do I have a cause for going in the branch and protesting the decision?
They also kept my paper application in branch when I left so knowing my luck I'd go in on saturday and they'd tell me they lost it!
Oh, you wee bazza!
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Comments
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Yes. You provided a document which contradicted the other information that you'd provided them. There is no way they can justify opening an account for you in these circumstances without breaching money laundering regulations.Am I the nitwit for not changing my driving license
You can also be fined for having the wrong address on your driving licence. £1,000 from memory.0 -
Your own fault for not updating your driving license details
Bank are quite right
Sort it out then go backHi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0 -
Could you not just send ur DL to the DVLA and they will send you a new one with correct address in a few days and go back in then?
That aside, do you not know that Clydesdale also issue MasterCard debit cards? Maestro is now their lower tier of debit card. I suggest that you enquire about an upgrade as this will have similar acceptance to RBS Visa Debit. Also, for with Clydesdale you can deposit cash and cheques at the Post Office free of charge. When you pay cash in this way, it is credited instantly. That might help with the poor opening hours.I currently have a bank account with Clydesdale bank. Excellent customer service if I may say so myself and the local branch is lovely, but I feel that they are becoming a bit... "old hat" now, specifically with the fact that they continue to issue Maestro debit cards which compared to Visa have a low acceptance...This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com0 -
I'll change the address online at work tomorrow, can take up to two weeks apparently.
While I accept that the address on my card is wrong, my question was more geared towards the fact that they take forms of ID that have no address on them, so refusing my driving license just seemed a bit odd is all. It also doesn't bode very well when a bank tells you they will accept two other forms of ID and then after you've done the running around they change their mind.
I know Clydesdale issue Mastercards, but I have read of nothing but trouble with them online. Have they settled a bit now? I suppose that would solve my problem in a roundabout way.Oh, you wee bazza!0 -
Clydesdale certainly do seem to have poor opening hours as to their partners yorkshire bank( I forget which is the trading name of who)
Do people also think they are both a bit old fashioned?Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure - MSE ForumTeam0 -
If you get fined £1000 for having the wrong address on your licence then I must check the post office to see where mine are as I've been stopped by the police a number of times in Scotland, where I now, live with a Driving licence still registered to my home in Northern Ireland.
As for RBS not accepting it. I recently opened two new accounts with different banks, one of them being RBS using my 'highly illegal' licence and there was no problem. Seems the problem lies with RBS, particularly that branch.0 -
I know Clydesdale issue Mastercards, but I have read of nothing but trouble with them online. Have they settled a bit now? I suppose that would solve my problem in a roundabout way.
Got my 1st Mastercard debit card from them about 2 years ago, and whilst initially there were certainly some problems I have not experienced any problems whatsoever online or otherwise for the past 18 months or so. Presume that they have now dealt with all of the teething issues.
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Aren't you the lucky one.mattjuno106 wrote: »If you get fined £1000 for having the wrong address on your licence then I must check the post office to see where mine are as I've been stopped by the police a number of times in Scotland, where I now, live with a Driving licence still registered to my home in Northern Ireland.
That particular branch is the one that is applying the regulations correctly.As for RBS not accepting it. I recently opened two new accounts with different banks, one of them being RBS using my 'highly illegal' licence and there was no problem. Seems the problem lies with RBS, particularly that branch.
There is no way you can claim to have complied with Money Laundering Regulations when you are aware that part of the ID or AV is incorrect or contradicts other information provided.0 -
While we have established I should consider changing the address on my license, I think the point that you and others are perhaps conveniently overlooking is that there are several other forms of ID that the bank say they will accept, which do not show an address. Therefore, why does the address on my driving license matter? So what that it's different, I don't see how that poses a threat when I could theoretically pull out another form of ID with no address on it and be accepted. Either that, or they don't know their own terms and conditions. It's beyond illogical.Oh, you wee bazza!0
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Produce one of those then.While we have established I should consider changing the address on my license, I think the point that you and others are perhaps conveniently overlooking is that there are several other forms of ID that the bank say they will accept, which do not show an address.
Because it contradicts other information that you have provided. They cannot be sure who you are or where you live if the documentary evidence you have provided conflict.Therefore, why does the address on my driving license matter?
Banks have been fined in excess of £1m a pop for breaches of Money Laundering Regulations.
Do it then. If, sat on their records, is evidence that you live at address A and then another document on their records contradicts this, the bank is exposing itslef to the risk of regulatory or criminal action.So what that it's different, I don't see how that poses a threat when I could theoretically pull out another form of ID with no address on it and be accepted.
It's completely logical. I don't understand why you are unable to grasp it.Either that, or they don't know their own terms and conditions. It's beyond illogical.0
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