RBS - upgrading account online

solentsusie

Hi All

I currently have an old Basic RBS account and a Select account (that can't be used at pay at pump etc.) and when I was on my online banking today decided to see if I was eligible to upgrade now my credit report is in much better standing and most of the old defaults are off my file.

So... I go through the online application form. Both accounts are currently in my married name and I want to change back to my maiden name. I update my details to my maiden name, fill in the bit about being know as any other name to my married name. I get to the part in the process where they confirm I am eligible to upgrade so it looks like it has been accepted.

I then get a message stating that they need to confirm my identity details as my name is different to the one they have on file. I can confirm my identity by giving a photograph of my driving license or my passport online. I do this no problem. Really pleased that this can be done online as I find it practically impossible to get to a RBS bank in opening hours to sort this out and they previously wouldn't do it by post.

Anyway, I have just realised that at no time was I asked which account I wanted to upgrade as I have the two accounts. I am also wondering if they will change the name on both my accounts or just the one I am upgrading - even though I don't know which one is being upgraded as it didn't say at any point during the process.

Has anyone else any experience at all in upgrading an account with RBS online and can you give me any pointers in what I should expect.

Thanks

Archi_Bald

Why don't you just switch your RBS current account to an account that pays you interest or rewards?

thebritishbloke

Archi_Bald wrote: »

Why don't you just switch your RBS current account to an account that pays you interest or rewards?

Could be a long-standing account, or they just like RBS or whatever. It's like my "main" bank account is with HSBC, the only benefit I have is a 0% overdraft, but I could get that on any Graduate account. I only kept the account with them as it's been open since I was like 11.

chambta

If your name is changed it will be across all your accounts.

What do you mean by upgrade? As you have a Select Account, which is a full current account, you are only missing a off-line debit card that has the contact-less facility also. You don't need to 'apply' for this - you will likely assess for one and a new card order will see one replace the one you currently have.

Archi_Bald

thebritishbloke wrote: »

Could be a long-standing account, or they just like RBS or whatever. It's like my "main" bank account is with HSBC, the only benefit I have is a 0% overdraft, but I could get that on any Graduate account. I only kept the account with them as it's been open since I was like 11.

I can understand if you want to keep an account to show longevity in your credit history, and to be able to demonstrably say e.g. 20+ years when asked how long you have had a current account. In fact, I have an ancient Natwest account myself for that purpose. I have a token £1 in it and log into it once a year for a bit of activity.

Other than that, there has only been one other reason for having a Natwest (/RBS/Ulster) account for the last few years - - - opening donor accounts, and having quick online access to them.

solentsusie

chambta wrote: »

If your name is changed it will be across all your accounts.

What do you mean by upgrade? As you have a Select Account, which is a full current account, you are only missing a off-line debit card that has the contact-less facility also. You don't need to 'apply' for this - you will likely assess for one and a new card order will see one replace the one you currently have.

I have had both these accounts for a number of years. The Basic account just has direct debits taken out of it and the Select account I used to use for spending money etc.

My main reason for the upgrade was to get the Basic account upgraded to a Select, that was what I applied for but at no point does it say on the application which account you are applying to upgrade if you have more than one.

If they upgrade the Basic to a Select with an offline debit card I will keep that one and use the other Select for switching. I need the name change before I can do this, as when I have looked at switching you can't switch from an account in a different name. These are my longest standing accounts so don't want to ditch them both.

chambta

A Basic cannot be upgraded to a Select Account.

What are you wanting to achieve? I don't quite see what you're aiming for here that requires anything to be upgraded or opened.

solentsusie

chambta wrote: »

A Basic cannot be upgraded to a Select Account.

What are you wanting to achieve? I don't quite see what you're aiming for here that requires anything to be upgraded or opened.

Really? It gave me the option to request this in my online banking. Not sure why it would do that if it is not a facility that RBS offers.

stclair

chambta wrote: »

If your name is changed it will be across all your accounts.

What do you mean by upgrade? As you have a Select Account, which is a full current account, you are only missing a off-line debit card that has the contact-less facility also. You don't need to 'apply' for this - you will likely assess for one and a new card order will see one replace the one you currently have.

Apparently they have an offline debit card now.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=67575956&postcount=12

Therefore I don't see a requirement for an upgrade now.

Unless they want a packaged account.