Natwest 'csautomer service' and new bank wanted

Markyt

I have a current account with Natwest, who is the best alternative?

Basically, Natwest have sent out a card reader I don't want to use. I returned it saying I didn't want it, they refuse to switch off the activation so I can actually use internet banking for my account, and the promised manager call doesn't happen nor do they respond to (at last count 5) follow up emails.

They've now lost my business. Who is the best alternative?

Thanks.

mrtg0525

Depends what you need it for - I'm pretty happy with my Nationwide current account for, well, just "current account stuff". Plus it's well integrated in to MS Money and pays some decent interest.

Markyt

mrtg0525 wrote: »

Depends what you need it for - I'm pretty happy with my Nationwide current account for, well, just "current account stuff". Plus it's well integrated in to MS Money and pays some decent interest.

Ta for that - it is just current account stuff, without psuedo-security gimmicks.


i've just re-read the thread title too - dear god, I'm worse than I thought before I've had caffeine :-)

morg_monster

Nationwide have just upped their security with 5 new security questions, which they will ask one of when you set up a new transfer arrangement etc (similar circs to when the cardreader would be used I guess). But its not as annoying as having to get up, rummage around in a drawer to find the cardreader, blow the dust out of the slot, find the batteries are dead... etc

lolly5648

I am just about to open a Nationwide current account - I've also got Natwest.

If you pay someone via internet banking how long does it it take to reach their account. With Natwest it was very fast, it would leave my bank monday and in recipients on wednesday.

judderman62

I am with nationwide and want to move away (after approx 20 years with them) - am looking to have 2 current accounts with unlimited "e-accounts (savings)" and good ustomer service (non indian call centre) any pointers anyone please ?

gt94sss2

Markyt wrote: »

I have a current account with Natwest, who is the best alternative?

Basically, Natwest have sent out a card reader I don't want to use. I returned it saying I didn't want it, they refuse to switch off the activation so I can actually use internet banking for my account, and the promised manager call doesn't happen nor do they respond to (at last count 5) follow up emails.

They've now lost my business. Who is the best alternative?

All the big banks (including Nationwide) with the exception of HSBC and First Direct (maybe Abbey as well) have announced plans to introduce card readers.

HSBC/First Direct have ruled them out as they don't believe they are secure or a good idea. Abbey haven't decided whether to introduce them yet or not.

Regards
Sunil

System

I moved from NatWest to Smile (Co-op bank) last year and have never looked back. I can't fault the service and site reliablity. Money transfers seem a day or two quicker than NatWest too!

Being a fairly small operation I wouldn't anticipate a card reader being introduced in the near future.

Regards
UNDERGROUND

Markyt

gt94sss2 wrote: »

HSBC/First Direct have ruled them out as they don't believe they are secure or a good idea.

That was my argument with NW. No-one was able to overcome any of my objections, and if they people implementing them don't understand the technology, then there is no way I'll trust it.

Papers are signed and off to Nationwide. Ta to all who replied.

natweststaffmember

If the card reader is the sole issue then there is telephone banking that does not use the card reader at all and as an internet banking user you are able to use them to pay bills etc, etc,. NatWest are issuing them so that there is additional security when doing online transactions which will mean that if you as a customer does answer the dodgy email that you do not have your money swiped from the account. I accept that you are unhappy with the technology and unfortunately a manager would not have been able to override something that is happening with online banking but may like myself on here have offered the alternative of telephone banking which does not require the reader.
At least others on here have offered the solution and good luck with nationwide.

chambta

natweststaffmember wrote: »

If the card reader is the sole issue then there is telephone banking that does not use the card reader at all and as an internet banking user you are able to use them to pay bills etc, etc,. NatWest are issuing them so that there is additional security when doing online transactions which will mean that if you as a customer does answer the dodgy email that you do not have your money swiped from the account. I accept that you are unhappy with the technology and unfortunately a manager would not have been able to override something that is happening with online banking but may like myself on here have offered the alternative of telephone banking which does not require the reader.
At least others on here have offered the solution and good luck with nationwide.

Surely attempts to limit fraud are to be encouraged? Escpecially as the card reader's only used to add new payees which evidence suggest are most likely to be fraudulent. Once added the information is stored anyway so any inconvenience is minimal. To move accounts seems a little petty to me.