MSE News: New 7-day bank switching era begins: Full Q&A

gjs1701

gjs1701 wrote: »

I rang back at about 8.30 and was told that department was still busy. But this time I was told they would call me back at 6.30.

No call back at 6.30 for me.

I rang them. An apologetic lady tried to put me through to their switching department which was busy. After around 5 minutes of holding, she suggested they could ring me back within the next 2 or 3 days. Or I could try later. I opted for later, since I work during the day.

To be continued...

gjs1701

I just made my fourth phone call. Still another lengthy period on hold with an operator. Still didn't get through. The apologetic lady suggested I try in the morning.

So much for 7 day switching!

rb10

gjs1701 wrote: »

I just made my fourth phone call. Still another lengthy period on hold with an operator. Still didn't get through. The apologetic lady suggested I try in the morning.

So much for 7 day switching!

So much for the bank with "amazing" telephone customer service.

Even they get it wrong sometimes!

Archi_Bald

gjs1701 wrote: »

I just made my fourth phone call. Still another lengthy period on hold with an operator. Still didn't get through. The apologetic lady suggested I try in the morning.

To be fair , you appear to be extremely unlucky because even the worst bank would by now have been a bit more responsive. I don't understand why you haven't filled in an application form for an FD current account - what stops you from doing that?

gjs1701

I opened the FD current account on Saturday, no problem. It was quick, easy and straightforward. I rang to set up the security and switch on Saturday and was told I would be better off waiting to Monday to Switch because of the new 7 day switch.

So I have the account. I want to switch my DDs etc to get the £125 pounds.

It is their new dedicated switching team that has long wait times, limited hours and doesn't call back.

Archi_Bald

Just lodge a written complaint with their complaints team. That should wake them up.

Shuggy7

I tried to switch to first direct for their switching bonus. I knew they wouldn't offer this if you previously had an account with them. I had an isa with them for one year, closed six years ago. I thought this wouldn't cause any problems. Turns out they are serious when they say "ever had an account." I thought six years would free me up. Crazy but looks like it's Halifax for me.

EarthBoy

Shuggy7 wrote: »

... Turns out they are serious when they say "ever had an account." I thought six years would free me up. Crazy but looks like it's Halifax for me.

Crazy for you, but good business sense for them. They don't want customers who only open accounts for the £125 bonus, they want customers who will keep their main account with them.

jamesd

Here's a tip for anyone planning to switch: wait a month. You've probably already waited a long time, so why do it now when the banks are going to be having a surge in demand and worse customer service than usual until demand drops a bit?

DragonQ

Shuggy7 wrote: »

I tried to switch to first direct for their switching bonus. I knew they wouldn't offer this if you previously had an account with them. I had an isa with them for one year, closed six years ago. I thought this wouldn't cause any problems. Turns out they are serious when they say "ever had an account." I thought six years would free me up. Crazy but looks like it's Halifax for me.

Yeah same here.