HSBC Advance mess up - time to switch?

left_of_centre

I've been with HSBC for my current account for around 9 years. I used to work for them, and it was opened as a staff account and not in branch so the sort code is a centralised one.

Anyway, when buying my first house they spoke to me about changing from the bog standard current account to an advance account. I waited until I'd moved and gave them a call to get it sorted. I was keen to have the preferential 5% savings rate available so set that up too.

This was on October 3rd. They said to continue using my existing debit card and a new one would arrive within 5 days, my PIN would be the same and upon activation, my old debit card would be cancelled.

I received 3 welcome packs since then(?) but nothing else so called them up the other day to check if it had been sent. As mentioned, I'd just moved house but other mail was arriving promptly. Also had to speak to them about a Verified by Visa issue that I didn't think to be related.

Was told on the phone there had been an error and that my new Advance card had been sent to their HSBC service centre (the physical address for my ex-staff sort code), and that they would have to cancel that and send me a new one to my home address. When I mentioned the issues I had making online payments, they informed me.... Sorry but your existing debit card has also been cancelled and that's the reason your card isn't working. If I need cash out, I would have to take ID into a branch.

Having moved house, and in Scotland, I am no nowhere near a branch. Unable to get cash out or pay for anything online while I wait another 5 working days for this new card to arrive! Less than happy as I am having to make purchases for the new house and get stuff delivered. I don't drive so having to borrow cash from someone to be able to get to work.

I read online that if your Advcance debit card doesn't arrive in 5 days they give you £10! Will take more than that to win me over, following this mess up on their part! Given that now I am not near a branch, I am tempted to switch as I'm aware of the deals on offer from other banks. Hopefully to one that can offer the same savings rate?

That said, I am keen to sort out a balance transfer deal so don't really want any further credit scoring against me, especially after recently securing the mortgage.

Annoyed! Have emailed to say I'm far from impressed but probably little else I can do.

mgdavid

do any other banks have branches appreciably nearer you?

Katiehound

I think the others offering a similar regular savings deal are: First Direct & M&S (same stable) and Nationwide.
Maybe you could get a switch bonus and a good savings rate!
With Nationwide you can get the refer a friend deal -£100

left_of_centre

It's not that Im rural now, just that HSBC has so few branches in Scotland as it is and it's now quite a journey just to get to nearest one. Locally there are plenty others I could switch to for sure.

I have my mortgage through Nationwide and have always considered their Flex account, previously had my savings and ISA with them (to build up deposit). First Direct I think are a subsidiary of HSBC so I'm sure I've read small print before that a switch to them wouldn't bag me a bonus.

Re: credit scoring for new current account, given that mortgage is with Nationwide, and I am technically a customer, would this still require them to run checks and leave footprint? After years of building up good credit, I don't want to trash it now lol

binaryuniverse

There have been people on this forum reporting they have switched from HSBC to First Direct (and vice versa) and got the bonus.

A search on your file, and a newly opened current account, is hardly going to 'trash' your file. In any case, what would be the point of maintaining a 'good' score (which is useless btw) if your only aim is have a good score and never open any new accounts?

left_of_centre

Well my thinking is that towards the beginning of next year, to get some work done on the house and a loan might be on the cards, depending on how much I can save up between now and then. It's not about the score, which I know is irrelevant, it's about the likelihood to be able to go for lending with recent searches on file.