Can Bank of Ireland reject my application because I live in England?

MyUsername

I am in the process of moving to Northern Ireland and I decided to switch banks from TSB to Bank of Ireland. I filled out the switch form online and I was told my switch was starting but this morning I got a letter saying that they were no longer able to process my application online or over the phone.

I gave them a ring to ask why and they mentioned it was most likely because I am a resident of England and not Northern Ireland. I can't see any reference to this on their website that they only accept applications from Northern Ireland at Bank of Ireland (UK). Are they allow to reject me based on the fact that I am not a resident of Northern Ireland currently?

ceredigion

Third bullet point.
https://www.bankofireland.com/help-centre/faq/can-apply-online-personal-current-account/

K80_Black

Yes, they can refuse to provide you with a service for any reason.

MyUsername

ceredigion wrote: »

Third bullet point.
https://www.bankofireland.com/help-centre/faq/can-apply-online-personal-current-account/

That is Repulic of Ireland

agrinnall

ceredigion wrote: »

Third bullet point.
https://www.bankofireland.com/help-centre/faq/can-apply-online-personal-current-account/

That's BoI in the Republic, the OP will be applying to BoI UK, for example the Clear Account:


https://www.bankofirelanduk.com/personal/current-account/clear-account/features/


I also can't see anything to say that a NI address is required, the only statement about address is


Before we open an account for you, we are obliged to
confirm your identity and permanent address

ceredigion

MyUsername wrote: »

That is Repulic of Ireland

Still the bank of Ireland though. What have you applied for ?

MyUsername

ceredigion wrote: »

Still the bank of Ireland though. What have you applied for ?

I just asked to switch my TSB account to a Clear Account, they were aware at the time that I was Resident of England.

This is the application page.
https://www.bankofirelanduk.com/personal/current-account/clear-account/application/

eskbanker

MyUsername wrote: »

I gave them a ring to ask why and they mentioned it was most likely because I am a resident of England and not Northern Ireland.

That doesn't sound definitive to me, perhaps worth contacting them again (maybe in writing) and seeking further clarification.

As above, they can decline anyone for a whole variety of reasons, so it may not have been your residency anyway, but if that was the reason then you can ask them if there's anything stopping you from applying again once you've moved to NI?

davethorp

Looking on their website they do state that current accounts are available in NI only in the menu you select current accounts

MyUsername

I think I am going to make a complaint to them to see what happens.

ceredigion

MyUsername wrote: »

I think I am going to make a complaint to them to see what happens.

They will quote, No4 of the T&C
"
4. We can refuse to open an Account or refuse a deposit without giving you any reason for our decision
"