Ulster Bank: Easy Access Savings Account at 1.25% pa

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.

RG2015

expansion wrote: »

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

Day 1 (Sunday) - Applied online and after spending 10 minutes completing the forms got told that the system was unavailable but later found out that they had performed a hard search on my credit file.
Day 2 (Monday) - applied again and was accepted although they performed a second hard search.
Day 3 - Had online access and was able to see the £1 I had deposited.
Day 4 - Activated mobile app and moved £1 out of the account.
Day 8 - Applied for card that I assumed would have been sent out automatically.
Day 39 - Received email advising that they were cancelling my card (which I had not received) as some people had reported problems with it not working.
Day 47 - Received two cards one of which actually worked which meant I was fully operative.

I also received three emails and three texts requesting that I send ID documents so they could open the account that had already been opened. I ignored these.

Overall it has shown UB to be unbelievably inefficient, incompetent and non-communicative. However, this thread has enabled me to be prepared for each hurdle. My life motto is to always be one step ahead of the all of the excrement life throws my way so I have probably achieved that particular goal.