The Top Easy Access Savings Discussion Area

Rawrzy

Rollinghome said:

SeriousHoax said:

Thinking of opening ulster Bank loyalty saver 5.20%
Single account.
I noticed it's got an app which I like nowadays when available.
Has anyone else got this account, and how do you find the app?

I applied at 4.9% and went through all the faff of document pics and a selfie for id. The selfie was taken before I expected, so I had my hand across my face and it would have been useless for ID, but there was no option to try again. Instead, I got the ok message and that I'd get an email which never came. As rates moved on a couple of days later, that was fine by me and I scrubbed it.

Sure, I caused the problem, but I wouldn't be the first person to move or sneeze when the camera clicks, so I'm less than impressed that they had no system to deal with it.

With a £5k withdrawal limit, and questionable systems, they'd need to do a lot better than just match Santander to get my interest again. (I've had a Natwest current account for yonks, and they can be a bit eccentric.)

Yeah Ulster are utterly awful for communication. When I got rejected for a current account from them for a swap incentive, I eventually received a letter through the post way way later after no communication for weeks from doing the online ID check. No idea why I got rejected really, I can only assume it was due to hard checks on my record worrying them as there was quite a few in a short span due to swaps. Eitherway I was more bothered about the poor communication than the actual rejection. I thought I'd done something wrong, but no, they're just slow and decide to use snail mail instead of digital communication. It's put me off bothering with them again. Maybe I'd try again if another switch incentive came out, but dunno. Definitely wouldn't bother for a savings account which isn't much better than the competition.

I'd imagine once the account is opened it should be fine, I think it's just a copy of the Natwest app, and honestly the Natwest app is probably one of the best banking apps in my experience. It's just getting past opening.

Middle_of_the_Road

SeriousHoax said:

Thinking of opening ulster Bank loyalty saver 5.20% 

Single account.

I noticed it's got an app which I like nowadays when available.

Has anyone else got this account, and how do you find the app?

Opened this account after switching to Ulster for the incentive. It was at 4.9% above 50k at the time. The app is the same as Natwest's and RBS. Easy enough to navigate and make internal transfers between current account and the loyalty saver. 
This seems like a better account than the Santander 5.2% account, which includes a bonus for the first12 months IIRC. 

ETA
I had no problems switching into a Ulster current account. Identity check completed electronically, and prompt text messages keeping me informed. People complain when they cannot be quickly digitally identity checked, and have to wait for an application form to be posted.
Ulster accounts operate just like Natwest in online banking and in the app. 

They also offer a private current account, with no monthly fee, if you have 100k in savings anywhere, not just with them. 

https://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/private-banking/private-current-account.html?sortcode=980060&name=Belfast+City+Office

"To apply, you need to be 18+ and a UK resident. To switch in or upgrade, you need to be an existing Ulster Bank current account customer. 

You will normally need a sole annual income of at least £75,000 paid into your Ulster Bank account (£100,000 in the case of a joint application), or savings and investments of at least £100,000 held with us or another financial institution (proof of savings required)."

happybagger

Bigwheels1111 said:

oz0707 said:

1spiral said:

Word of warning for the Skipton Bonus saver issue 9. There is an 85K balance limit. This applies to joint accounts too. I missed this in the T&Cs because I had issue 8 for which a joint account could exceed this. Rather pointlessly though, Skipton advised me that there is no limit to the number of accounts that can be opened so I have opened another to take the excess funds which were initially rejected by Skipton. First Direct credited these funds back within 2 hours so I have resent these in correct proportions. 8 hours later Nationwide have still not credited them back. I have been advised it can take up to 5 days for it to be credited.  So I can have 170K but need 2 accounts.    I just need to wait until NW give me my money back.

What happens if interest takes you over 85k

It’s at risk.

@1spiral said it was a joint account though

ColdIron

Middle_of_the_Road said:

SeriousHoax said:

Thinking of opening ulster Bank loyalty saver 5.20% 

Single account.

I noticed it's got an app which I like nowadays when available.

Has anyone else got this account, and how do you find the app?

This seems like a better account than the Santander 5.2% account, which includes a bonus for the first12 months IIRC. 

In these volatile times I don't think it matters. I haven't had many accounts for more than 2 months before they get leapfrogged

Middle_of_the_Road

ColdIron said:

Middle_of_the_Road said:

SeriousHoax said:

Thinking of opening ulster Bank loyalty saver 5.20% 

Single account.

I noticed it's got an app which I like nowadays when available.

Has anyone else got this account, and how do you find the app?

This seems like a better account than the Santander 5.2% account, which includes a bonus for the first12 months IIRC. 

In these volatile times I don't think it matters. I haven't had many accounts for more than 2 months before they get leapfrogged

Edited my earlier post...     I think this makes Ulster very attractive.

They also offer a private current account, with no monthly fee, if you have 100k in savings anywhere, not just with them. 

https://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/private-banking/private-current-account.html?sortcode=980060&name=Belfast+City+Office

"To apply, you need to be 18+ and a UK resident. To switch in or upgrade, you need to be an existing Ulster Bank current account customer. 

You will normally need a sole annual income of at least £75,000 paid into your Ulster Bank account (£100,000 in the case of a joint application), or savings and investments of at least £100,000 held with us or another financial institution (proof of savings required)."

ColdIron

There's nothing about that account that would tempt me. Barclays premier is similar but at least you get cheap (and free) points with Avios Rewards

friolento

ColdIron said:

There's nothing about that account that would tempt me

Me neither. Just alone the thought of "Your own Premier Banking Manager" is a turn-off for me.

Also, the 5.2% Ulster saver needs a minimum balance of £5k. A combination of the 5.2% Santander EA and the 5.2% Coventry limited access suits me much better.

cadguy77

ColdIron said:

There's nothing about that account that would tempt me. Barclays premier is similar but at least you get cheap (and free) points with Avios Rewards

The 'exclusive branded cheque book' sold it to me

Middle_of_the_Road

ColdIron said:

There's nothing about that account that would tempt me. Barclays premier is similar but at least you get cheap (and free) points with Avios Rewards

Well I'd rather give Ulster a chance, and possibly get better service from a smaller banking outfit, than the dismal service I've heard about from them. ^

Rollinghome

Middle_of_the_Road said:

ColdIron said:

There's nothing about that account that would tempt me. Barclays premier is similar but at least you get cheap (and free) points with Avios Rewards

Well I'd rather give Ulster a chance, and possibly get better service from a smaller banking outfit, than the dismal service I've heard about from them. ^

"Ulster Bank" is a trading name of Natwest Group plc, so not that small. In the UK, Ulster Bank lists Natwest banks as being its branches, so good chance it will use the same call centres etc. 

Don't know what the "exclusive branded card" looks like. Can't be any naffer than the standard purple and yellow Natwest one, but I gather those silver and gold coloured cards thought to impress nubile air-hostesses are now considered a bit '70's. Never did work for me.

1979 American Express ads...