Ulster Bank: Easy Access Savings Account at 1.25% pa

Jenfc

I opened this account at the beginning of August. It has been the most horrendous experience with everything possible going wrong. The system opened a second account 2 weeks after the first. I was told it had been closed nearly a month ago - but now see that isn't the case. I have been unable to log in and see my details or do anything in the account for over 4 weeks. I have been given different explanations. When at last I was told to reregister for anytime banking and that this would resolve the issue, I waited over 2 weeks for an activation code. When I queried this I was told I hadn't reregistered even though I had received a text thanking me for reregistering when I did this. I was told to go through the process again. When finally I received this I managed to log in and see my account details, I finally was able to try to activate my card reader - but the option on line wasn't working. Having queried this, I was told I needed to order the reader on line. I explained I already had a card reader and a card, but I hadn't yet been able to activate it because of the problem accessing my account on line. I was told I needed re-order the card reader, but that I should then be able to use the original one in 2 days. I will try again in 2 days, but am not optimistic. I have raised 3 complaints and have been told someone will ring me within 2 working days. The first time was on the 29th August, the second on the 5th September. I have heard nothing and then last week when I asked again for them to check a complaint had been raised they said there was no record of this, even though they could see the on-line chat I'd had and that I'd been told it had been raised. So they took details a 3rd time, and guarenteed I would be called that afternoon. I'm still waiting 3 days later. I had initial problems with the digidocs system. I had a text thanking me for changing my address - which panicked me because I hadn't asked for this and wondered if it was a sign of identity fraud. When I rang I was told this was a common problem and that the system was randomly sending out these texts for no reason. I have this month received a bank statement for the second account and not the one with my money. This also panicked me because the statement said I have £0 in the account - instead of several thousand pounds. All I want now is to take all my money out and close the account. I have wanted to do this since the end of August but am still waiting. I have read lots of similar complaints onTrustPilot. I cannot believe that I bank can be allowed to continue to offer an account they obviously can't service. I suspect they can't cope with demand - a previous top interest account that I was going to open was withdrawn before I got to it, because of the level of demand. Ulster bank should be forced to do the same. This shouldn't be a recommended account or there should be stronger warnings. I have spent hours over the last 2 months trying to sort this and am despairing. JUST DON'T OPEN an account with Ulster Bank. If you do open it, make sure you have a card reader that is activated along with a card and the pin before transferring money in. Or you might find you can never get at your money!

DawlishDilbert

Glad it wasn't just me. I applied twice but couldn't get the initial process completed on either occasion, so gave up. Then got texts/emails reminding me to complete the process. Glad I ignored them. What a PITA!

StephanieCouvela

Just to add to the list of people who have not received their debit cards - I opened this account in early August, it's now the end of September.

First I was told a card would be issued automatically when I ordered the card reader - it didn't arrive so I rang and they agreed to order me one.

A week or so later I was sent a PIN but no card appeared. I rang again to chase and was told that there was some problem with lots of cards, and they were all being reissued.

Another week and again I was sent a PIN but no card. That was two weeks ago. I've just rung to chase and they have no explanation. Rather than keep waiting I asked for that card to be cancelled and reissued again.

I'm told I should get my card and PIN within ten days - I'm not holding my breath.

And a general point - why on earth is the a card and reader not issued automatically when the account is opened? Who opens a savings account and doesn't want to be able to make withdrawals?!

The staff are friendly and apologetic on the phone but that does not make up for abysmal customer service. It's a sign of just how crap interest rates are that I'm still putting up with this for a paltry 1.25%.

talexuser

You could all go for the Charter 1.26%, but bearing in mind that for every £1000 you save that is an extra 10 pence a year in interest I wouldn't bother unless you are really mad with Ulster - mind you a more normal withdrawal procedure might be more palatable for those who didn't realise the terms before opening.

do163600

I have also had the problem of having two accounts opened, instead of one. I also got the text about change of address, couldn't log in to my account for a week or so.

I discovered last week that they had done 2 searches on my credit file - great!

I found out today (from this thread) that I need a card and card reader in order to access my money. My partner also opened an account. She phoned Ulsterbank this morning and asked about the card and reader, and why she hadn't been told about them. "It's no secret", she was told. Well, it was as far as we were concerned.

kinger101

So glad I spotted this thread. Would have hated to have found out all the silly hoops you have to jump though to get your money a couple of days before completion. My money is being withdrawn ASAP.

Standard online chat advice is visit your local branch. About as much use as a fart in a spacesuit when you live in SE England.

The really need to stop calling it an Easy Access account.

Cyclizine

I opened an account a couple of months ago - I seem to be one of the few that things went smoothly for! Logins were sent quickly and I got a card and card-reader within a few days of requesting them.

expansion

This has been the worst account opening process I have had in my life. Not exaggerating.

Yorkshire_Pud

expansion wrote: »

This has been the worst account opening process I have had in my life. Not exaggerating.

Yes it is very slow and tedious to open this account.

I think they are using, having to use, old systems and technology and are well behind the times.

colsten

Yorkshire_Pud wrote: »

Yes it is very slow and tedious to open this account.

That appears to be true for those who aren't already an Ulster Bank customer. It is a complete doddle and very quick for those who are existing customers.