Halifax, 16 and 17 year olds - how long does the card take?

central

Howdy, my son 16 and daughter 17 have had websavers for 4 or 5 years. Daughter is now driving so thought it would be best for her to have an debit card (albeit electron - it would not need any ID processes to open another bank with the Halifax). Son couldn't pay in a cheque at the counter into a websaver so later thought he would be best with one also.
Went into the branch 19th December - must be done online - ok. Opened later that day and 15 pounds transferred to be able to get the electon card (Over 18 needs £50). Cheque book arrived within a week, no card. Ring 2-3 weeks later - go through everything.No problem, will be organised, transfer another £50. Still nothing by the end of Jan so we ring again, no, we'll send one out (I even speak to the csr to ensure it is clear what is required) So 11 weeks later still nothing, foolishly we also opened one for my son on 10th Feb - quick cheque book, but no electron card, transferred £50 on 10th Feb to be sure.
I know Lloyds issue a proper visa debit card, and I am wondering about opening new accounts there, but I would really like them to have one bank on their history at such a young age. Am I being too impatient

techno_geek

Tell them to send the cards to the branch, so they can be collected from there. That way you know they're not being lost in the post.

central wrote:

I would really like them to have one bank on their history at such a young age.

When I was 16, I opened accounts at HSBC, NatWest and Nationwide - I wanted to know who would give me the best service, and before they started doing credit searches on me!!

Now I'm 19, and still have all those accounts... being a student, I like to keep my money separated out. Opening those accounts gave me an instant credit history when I turned 18 and applied for my first credit card!

regularsaver1

Some existing customers have to provide more id to open an account - especially those under the age of 18 opening an account in their sole name. ie birth certificate, and then parents address id

this could have been why . worth a check

Kilty_2

I recieved my cards from Bank of Scotland within four working days of opening the accounts (I have two Cardcash accounts)

You say your son was sent a cheque book - I was told that it was not possible for them to issue one on that type of account! :mad: (Though I was also told that by Lloyds TSB who were quickly corrected according to their own leaflets)

Opening an account that requires a credit check can't be a bad thing when you are under 18 - if anything (providing the account is run correctly) it'll build a good credit history.

central

Interesting that you all think that another account is a good thing rather than a bad thing, I think that I will give it another week, and if still nothing happens then we will open accounts at Lloyds - the under 19s account, with a card which will be accepted everywhere thanks.

Kilty_2

Lloyds U19 account is good, I hold one of those as well.

Staff leave a lot to be desired but the account is good.

regularsaver1

why are you just waiting for the card - pop to a branch with son with id to be sure all outstanding items are sorted

central

We've only waited just over 2w for my son's. I am certain that the security and ID checks have been done as about six months ago we had to go in to prove a change of address. I's quite difficult to get there monday to friday in term time as we leave the house at 7.45 and get in at 5.40 ish. It's my daughter's 11 weeks and two "sorted" phone calls which is really annoying. What would customer service be like if one of us had a real problem - I shudder to think.

regularsaver1

For a child to have an account in their own name they do have to provide more id at the time to key the account, not required when changing address

its also for tax reasons

they are open saturday's, Branches will be able to help you more so that the call centres

Kilty_2

If you have insufficient ID when opening an account you are informed of such in-branch........

I didn't have enough with me and was given a letter about my account with account number etc on it stating what other forms of ID I could produce, etc.

If you've recieved a cheque book then there's no reason they need further ID. (I'm also surprised you recieved a cheque book on this type of account, as I said before I was told it was not possible :mad:)

regularsaver1

I don#t get why you were told this account must be done on-line

I have never heard of this in the years at work and have keyed many in my years before my job now

all Expresscash's 11-15 and cardcash's 16/17's are usually done in branch