First Direct Regular Saver

djpailo

My regular saver matured, so I figured I'd create a new one. I applied online and was later given a message saying they cannot continue with the application until I provide details of my employment or if I am a student, my university.

I am surprised by this because I don't recollect having any issue before, either opening up the current account or opening up the regular saver last year.

Is this a new policy??

Jo_Blogs

djpailo wrote: »

I am surprised by this because I don't recollect having any issue before, either opening up the current account or opening up the regular saver last year.

Is this a new policy??

Could well be - It could be because of [STRIKE] a stampede[/STRIKE] an increased demand for the current account switching bonus in addition to the linked regular saver :idea::o.

PeacefulWaters

More likely HSBC money laundering paranoia to appease the USA authorities.

firefox1956

They never asked me anything...........
HTH

djpailo

Okay, was just wondering. I'll reply to the message.. Fingers crossed its successful...

djpailo

Honestly, its incredible how frustrating its been. I rang a few days after posting here, gave them my details. Didn't hear back for over a week. Rang again, they've asked for the same details. Fingers crossed this time eh?

It seems most people who work at these banks have no idea about what a PhD is, nor that I am classed as a student, nor that I get paid. As a consequence, it causes a great deal of confusion, when it really is quite simple and fairly common thing...

They also asked me when my course date was going to finish and I had to try and explain, well it "should" finish on XYZ, but its research so...yeah...

PeacefulWaters

when it really is quite simple and fairly common thing

It has never been common in my world.

EarthBoy

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

It has never been common in my world.

Nor in mine.

Zanderman

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

It has never been common in my world.

EarthBoy wrote: »

Nor in mine.

PhD's may not be common in your worlds* but they are actually common phenomena so the point being made (that a bank asking about employment should have a grasp of this type of employment) is a perfectly reasonable one.

(*they aren't in mine these days either but I have worked with loads of current and ex PhD students over many decades, they aren't rare)

bigadaj

Zanderman wrote: »

PhD's may not be common in your worlds* but they are actually common phenomena so the point being made (that a bank asking about employment should have a grasp of this type of employment) is a perfectly reasonable one.

(*they aren't in mine these days either but I have worked with loads of current and ex PhD students over many decades, they aren't rare)

Whilst a PhD student will be remunerated this has historically not been a salary it always been referred to as a stipend.

There are other arrangements in place, but the fact it wasn't salary meant it wasn't taxed, so swings and roundabouts I suppose.

djpailo

bigadaj wrote: »

Whilst a PhD student will be remunerated this has historically not been a salary it always been referred to as a stipend.

There are other arrangements in place, but the fact it wasn't salary meant it wasn't taxed, so swings and roundabouts I suppose.

In the second call I told the person it was a bursary because that is what it says on my pay slip. I hope that clears things up...still I wait in limbo, not even a rejection yet...