MSE News: Warning: 75,000 a week miss out on cheapest passport application rates

Former_MSE_Callum

100,000s of Brits are paying more than they need to for a new or replacement passport, official data obtained by MoneySavingExpert.com reveals...

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'Warning: 75,000 a week miss out on cheapest passport application rates'

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aj23_2

Or perhaps people don't want to/don't feel comfortable doing it online and are knowingly choosing to do paper applications. Thought about that?

HornetSaver

At current exchange rates, an Irish passport is £4.81 cheaper than a British one. And millions living in the UK are entitled to both.

glider3560

The online service also saves money indirectly. You don't have to have any photos printed. Take a suitable photo on your phone, then upload it during the application. Sorted.


I also don't understand why anyone would use the Post Office Check & Send service? Can't you look at the checklist yourself?

VT82

MSE_Callum wrote: »

Post Office says applications via Check & Send are two are (sic) a half times less likely to be delayed due to basic errors

Sorry to be pedantic, but what on earth does 'two and a half times less likely' mean, mathematically speaking???

aj23_2

glider3560 wrote: »

The online service also saves money indirectly. You don't have to have any photos printed. Take a suitable photo on your phone, then upload it during the application. Sorted.


I also don't understand why anyone would use the Post Office Check & Send service? Can't you look at the checklist yourself?

Maybe someone who has mental disabilities perhaps? Elderly? Autistic? Dyslexic? The same groups of people who rely on the post office for their banking. I'm sure someone who has a disability would really thank you for your comment.

peachyprice

aj23 wrote: »

Maybe someone who has mental disabilities perhaps? Elderly? Autistic? Dyslexic? The same groups of people who rely on the post office for their banking. I'm sure someone who has a disability would really thank you for your comment.

You do know that Post Office personnel have no special training and are only interpreting the same guidelines you and I would?

I'm sure someone with a disability would like to know they were being misled into spending extra money for nothing just the same as anyone without a disability would.

aj23_2

peachyprice wrote: »

You do know that Post Office personnel have no special training and are only interpreting the same guidelines you and I would?

I'm sure someone with a disability would like to know they were being misled into spending extra money for nothing just the same as anyone without a disability would.

You're missing the point entirely. They are using the checking service to CHECK they have done it correct. If they need it to be checked by someone else, like in the post office (who said about special training??) then what makes you think they'd get it correct by doing it by themselves online?

Whether or not it is fair to charged more money for someone with a disability is a separate conversation.

glider3560

aj23 wrote: »

You're missing the point entirely. They are using the checking service to CHECK they have done it correct. If they need it to be checked by someone else, like in the post office (who said about special training??) then what makes you think they'd get it correct by doing it by themselves online?

But the Passport Office will also check the documents before they process the application.


All you are gaining by using the Post Office service is a few days postage. Note that the online service checks everything automatically (e.g. that the photo meets the conditions) before you submit the application.


Post Office Check & Send is no better than those "copy-cat" websites that offer additional services at a fee.

spadoosh

peachyprice wrote: »

You do know that Post Office personnel have no special training and are only interpreting the same guidelines you and I would?

I'm sure someone with a disability would like to know they were being misled into spending extra money for nothing just the same as anyone without a disability would.

You can say that about tax returns but thousands of people across the country spend hundred of pounds every year getting someone else to do it for them. I know people who charge people for going over their mileage expense claims.

Then theres all the claim companies that seem to make ahealthy living out of people who choose not to pursue it themselves.

A few quid over 10 years isnt misleading anything.

aj23_2

glider3560 wrote: »

But the Passport Office will also check the documents before they process the application.


All you are gaining by using the Post Office service is a few days postage. Note that the online service checks everything automatically (e.g. that the photo meets the conditions) before you submit the application.


Post Office Check & Send is no better than those "copy-cat" websites that offer additional services at a fee.

And if it's wrong it has to be sent back and done again which takes ever longer. That's why there is a checking service for those who require assistance. I don't think the person who replied to me gets that.