Nat West switching problems

Misslayed

(I know there is a very long thread about Nat West already)
Mr M switched from M&S bank to Nat West for the bonus, he switched to M&S for theirs last year with no problems at all. This time he has 'lost' two direct debits, one to water company, fairly easily resolved after letter received from them and no costs incurred (they admitted its a common problem on their system when people switch). The other is Talk Talk, who have made a £12.50 charge for late payment. He's checking the others as I write. Nat West call centre chap is adamant it's not their fault, must have been Talk Talk or Mr. M. Anyone else had this problem switching? Is there any chance/point in trying to get the charge refunded?

18cc

Have a look at the terms and conditions of the current account switching guarantee

Haven't looked for a while but I believe the bank you switch to offers guarantees about any financial loss you may occur due to the switch

18cc

Just had a quick check and the NatWest switching guarantee says quite clearly they will refund any interest and or charges as a result of the switch going wrong I would put this out of them

18cc

Direct debits are always the problem when you switch bank accounts

Things like payments into your old account can easily be forwarded to your new account however when it comes to direct debits the direct debits are not actually switched all the bank does it notify the originator of your new account details

this is all very well as long as the originator for example TalkTalk updates their systems but if they don't they continue to try and get the direct debit from the old account as of course closed

that is why I think you should always check every direct debit by calling up the company and checking they have your new account details

this is not the way they portray it in the switching terms conditions though - they always seem to show switching as being very easy and hassle free whereas in fact where direct debits are concerned it is not

Misslayed

Thank you 18cc. I did switch my main account to HSBC with no hitches - most of my DDs are on that account, all carried on seamlessly. Mr M has been studying the Switching guarantee. I think he'll be switching again as soon as he gets his bonus!