Why can't under 16's do NatWest Online Banking?

BlightyAndy

I'm on the card plus account with NatWest and wondered why i can't do online banking just because im under 16?
Halifax, HSBC and some others let you do it!
It would be good to just let me check my balance before buying a game online and not spending to much then i have in the account.
My Nearest ATM is a 10 minute drive away in British Weather and pestering a member of my family to take me!

So if other banks let people my age (13, am i the youngest member on MSE? ) do it, why dont NatWest?

natweststaffmember

I don't know the reason but why not call 0845 60 50 789 which is the online helpdesk and ask them why

bwgames

Strange..you sure this is the case? I seem to remember having access to it when I was 15.... It was card plus too I think....

Tried ringing them again and double checking?

natweststaffmember

NatWest Online FAQ's state you cannot register until you are 16 years old.

bwgames

If so, thats very strange. NW offer a debit card to over 14s, so surely the easiest way to let them check the balance is online.


Perhaps try registering anyway?

BlightyAndy

I tried registering, entered my correct D.O.B and account details and then i clicked the last page of registeration submti button and it say "Sorry, you must be 16 blahblah...".
Don't think age lying is worth it (?)

jonesMUFCforever

LTSB is the same you have to be 16 to register.

gt94sss2

AndyGrayUK wrote: »

I tried registering, entered my correct D.O.B and account details and then i clicked the last page of registeration submti button and it say "Sorry, you must be 16 blahblah...".
Don't think age lying is worth it (?)

The simple thing to do in these cases is to close your account and move to a financial institution (HSBC/Nationwide etc) who offers this facility to you.

Last time I looked both the HSBC/Nationwide's interest rates were higher as well..

When closing the account, make sure they know why..

You're right, there is no point lying about your age as the bank will already have your DOB somewhere!

am i the youngest member on MSE?

I think there is a 12 year old somewhere..

Regards
Sunil

BlightyAndy

I've had an account with NatWest for a while now and have lots of stuff registered with them (Direct Debit for Nintendo Magazine, Pocket money and shopping websites), so moving would be a little hassle :P

natweststaffmember

can you have direct debits under age? surely the parent/guardian would have to sign otherwise the contract would be invalid?

BlightyAndy

I recieved a reply from NatWest:

Unfortunately, access to NatWest OnLine Banking for customers under the age
of 16 is currently not possible. We do have plans to introduce the facility
but are unable to provide any timescale for this at present.

Our systems will not allow us to make any exceptions to this policy and I
regret that for the time being, we will not be able to enrol you onto the
service.

The systems? Don't they manage the online banking?!