How can I apply for a Metro Bank account, outside of London?

Jlawson118

I posted on here this morning asking what people thought Metro Bank, and after researching today, I would very much like to open an account with them.
However, I have discovered that to apply, you need to visit them in branch, and I live nowhere near a branch, as most are down south and I live in Leeds. I thought I might be able to apply online and not have to visit a branch like I did with First Direct a few years ago..

I emailed their customer services asking if I can give them ID some other ways, but whilst waiting for them to respond, I am wondering if anybody here might know what I can do?

EarthBoy

You have to visit a branch in person, there is no other way.

System

I opened a Metro Bank account a few years ago. I live in Leicestershire and decided to spend a day in London by train during which I popped into a branch and opened the account. You get a debit card and cheque book there and then and they set up internet banking for you. There is no need to visit a branch in the future. It's a one-off visit and it's up to you whether you feel it worthwhile. I had a lovely day wandering around Covent Garden and Oxford Street, visiting a museum or two while I was there.

The branch furthest north is Milton Keynes.

colsten

What is it that attracts you to Metro Bank, as opposed to the many banks and couple of Building Societies that allow you to apply online?

I've got accounts with many banks, incl Metro Bank. If I had any favourites, it would certainly not include Metro Bank, not least because branch access is so very difficult for many people if it is needed for some reason or other. I can't comprehend why, in 2016, a bank needs to see you personally before they can open a current account for you. Fair enough, if you can bear an hour in one of their 'shops', you get online access and a debit card immediately (and a credit card if you wish to have one). Not sure this would tip it for me, but it might do for some.

I have my Metro Bank account because they offer no-charge cash withdrawals in EU countries. And in case they will offer any deals to existing customers. I am not expecting that either of these will make me rich.

EarthBoy

colsten wrote: »

I can't comprehend why, in 2016, a bank needs to see you personally before they can open a current account for you.

Didn't I read somewhere that they take a photo of you for their records?

Paul_1977

They do take a photo yes.

Personally Metro Bank branches are the only extra to bank with them, if you are too far away, seems a bit pointless.

colsten

EarthBoy wrote: »

Didn't I read somewhere that they take a photo of you for their records?

I can't remember whether they took a photo when I opened my Metro Bank account. If they did, they never used that photo in the last 4 years, as I have not set foot into a Metro Bank branch since mid 2012, and they do not use any face recognition for online banking. So what would have been the point of taking a photo.

But I know that Atom Bank take a photo when you register through their app, you can use the app wherever you have an Internet connection, and face, as well as voice recognition forms part of the Atom Bank Security.

Admittedly, this sort of ID verification is still in its infancy but Metro Bank are living in the past, not leading anything.

labp04

Guess it perhaps depends on how much time you will spend abroad and whether or not the savings you will make via MB's debit and credit card make a day out worthwhile. Certainly for us it has been, no complaints just support for the venture

Wednesday100

There is a benefit if you have adopted a dog or cat from Battersea! Although all 3 Battersea centres are in the South East.


"Buying a dog or a cat?
We're delighted to announce that Metro Bank refunds new and existing Metro Bank customers when they rehome a dog or a cat from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Refunds will be up to a maximum of £65 for cats and £105 for dogs.

Our passion for dogs is expanding. We're not only helping our customers provide a suitable home for homeless dogs but we're also supporting those who wish to help cats.
All customers need to do to qualify for this, is present us with the receipt*, a voucher from the BDC Home and have a Metro Bank account with a minimum credit of £100. We will then refund the money back into the Metro Bank Account. "