Switching Query

Psyduck1980

When switching bank accounts you are usually asked to provide the 16 digit debit card number of the "old" account. If the debit card for the "old" account has never been used could this cause a switch to fail?

N1ckS

I believe it can fail if it hasn't been activated. I hadn't used my Tesco cards for any transactions but had changed the pin at an ATM which ensures the card is activated.

clivep

N1ckS wrote: »

I believe it can fail if it hasn't been activated. I hadn't used my Tesco cards for any transactions but had changed the pin at an ATM which ensures the card is activated.

Likewise. I always change the pin straight away and this activates the card. It's been reported on here that a non-activated Tesco card will cause a switch away from them to fail.

Psyduck1980

Thanks both. Presumably if it does fail I can activate the "old" card and try again?

N1ckS

I would have thought so, a failed switch shouldn't have any effect on your existing account.

dreaming

Interested in this as I have just started the switch of one of my Tesco accounts to First Direct (a bit late I know) and realised that the debit card for the first Tesco account has expired (Jan 2019) and I don't remember receiving a new one. I don't remember receiving a debit card for the 2nd Tesco a/c (which is the one I am switching), and it is not in my usual storage place, so shall see what happens with the switch.

pinkdalek

A bank may refuse a switch request if there is a "valid" card active on the account even if you have never used it. If this happens ask them to cancel the card but not issue you with a replacement and then submit your switch request again.