A+L Premier Direct

blueneleh

Hi,

Sorry if this has been asked before but just a few questions re this account for anyone who has one.

How long does it take to switch over your bank account?
Can I decrease my OD over the net? (With Natwest you have to go into a branch).
Does your card come with maestro?

Thanks

[Deleted User]

1) Couple of months (same with all banks)
2) yes over teh net
3) Visa card acceptable everywhere

Mulligan1

I switched from Natwest to A&L, I would check what type of Visa Debit card is being provided. I have a Maestro Servicecard 100 with NatWest, however A&L have supplied me with a Visa Debit card without Cheque Guarantee which requires every tyransaction to be authorised (a bit like Solo). I am finding that the card only works where authorisation can be carried out, I cannot use the card in Petrol Pumps or Train Ticket machines or Train Stations, which is a pain. I am told that if they supply you with a Cheque Guarantee Debit card you shouldnt have any problems as these cards don't require every transaction to be authorised. They told me all new customers get this card but I know this is not true so I am not going to use the account, I have never once abused my NatWest card in many years of banking with them!.

[Deleted User]

You can always phone A+L up and say your old cards gone missing, send me a new one with cheque guarentee.

Not aware that they dont give cheque guarentee as mine came with £100 guarentee (talkin 2 years ago now), not that anyone uses cheques nowadays. But any newer chip and pin card will work at the petrol pumps. I dont use petrol pump payment as these have been the main target for scammers over the last year since ATMs have cameras and anti tamper devices.

Mulligan1

Hi,

I have already asked them to change the card and they said they couldn't but I can apply for an upgrade in 6 months time. The card is only 2-3 weeks old (I have only recently opended the account) so it is a new chip and pin card, I have been told that petrol pumps and train ticket machines don't authorise the transactions at the point of sale, they just collect the card data to be authorised later and as this card requires 100% authorisation it will not work in them.

[Deleted User]

Is it an visa electron if so itll be due to your credit rating, or lack thereof if your young.

If so try and up it by checking out the MSE guide, getting a copy from a credit agency and getting yourself on the electoral register etc.

If it is a visa electron it will be a bit hit and miss if you get a full debit card with anybank, some will, some wont.

Mulligan1

Hi again,

It is a new design Visa 'Debit' card and the account is a 'Premier Current Account'. I have been on the Electoral Roll at the same address for 19 years and it is definitely not due to anything bad on my Credit File as I use Credit Expert and I have only positive reports for 6 years on a number of types of account, and I more than meet the minimum monthly deposit of £500 so I don't know why they gave me this card. I am not bothered about the cheque guarantee as I never use cheques but it seems the cards with it don't require 100% authorisation and that is what is causing me problems. Anyway I was always quite happy with the NatWest, it was only the rate of interest that made me apply.

bunnymad

If it's the visa debit you should be ok

Where can I use my debit card?
A. You can withdraw up to £250 a day in cash by using your Visa Debit card at any UK cash machine or Post Office® branch (subject to available funds in your account)
You can use the Visa Debit card in any of the 570,000 shops, stores and restaurants in the UK where you see the Visa symbol as well as when ordering and paying for goods and services by telephone or over the internet.

Mulligan1

Hi,

The card I have been given must be similar to the Visa Debit card they give to 16-17 year olds, that one states on the website that it is a Visa Debit online card which always checks your balance so under 18's cannot overdraw, just out of interest my card number begins 4659, is this the same as the cards with the Cheque Guarantee facility?. Thanks.

bunnymad

Mine is a cheque guarentee and starts with 4567 if this helps?

[Deleted User]

My old card was 4567,

Burn it and ask for a new one, tell them your not a kid lol