Help to Buy ISA Transfer to Halifax

bredok

I see a few people have had the same issues with Nationwide changing their rates. Halifax is a potential new provider. Has anyone been able to transfer in their HTB to Halifax through the phone lines?

Alexland

Not done it myself but you are correct the process is started by a phone call.

https://www.halifax.co.uk/isas/transfer-isa/

"Call us on 0345 726 3646 if you are looking to transfer your existing Help to Buy: ISA to us from another provider. Lines are open Mon-Fri: 7am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 8am-6pm."

sharpinf

I did this today, after trying first via secure message on the Halifax App (existing customer) who insisted I call.
Took around 5 tries over a few days to get through without it being cut-off due to them being too busy and using existing product info on their auto call system. Got through and after initially being warned that the product wasn't available anymore; though after quoting parts of the website (and MSE  )  was transferred to another department with 30min wait time and warning it may not work.
Once transferred though was fine and easy to do with friendly person on the call. It takes a while as they need to read out all the ISA rules including all the definitions of what excludes you being a 1st time buyer. Was told it opens as an Instant ISA and is then converted to H2B once existing H2B transfer is received.

Aidanmc

sharpinf said:

I did this today, after trying first via secure message on the Halifax App (existing customer) who insisted I call.
Took around 5 tries over a few days to get through without it being cut-off due to them being too busy and using existing product info on their auto call system. Got through and after initially being warned that the product wasn't available anymore; though after quoting parts of the website (and MSE  )  was transferred to another department with 30min wait time and warning it may not work.
Once transferred though was fine and easy to do with friendly person on the call. It takes a while as they need to read out all the ISA rules including all the definitions of what excludes you being a 1st time buyer. Was told it opens as an Instant ISA and is then converted to H2B once existing H2B transfer is received.

What number did you call them on do you remember?

This is the number on the help to buy page on Halifax, 0345 726 3646

Going to transfer myself next week. Do they ask much details on the call to existing customer?

sharpinf

Aidanmc said:

What number did you call them on do you remember?

This is the number on the help to buy page on Halifax, 0345 726 3646

Going to transfer myself next week. Do they ask much details on the call to existing customer?

Yes that was the one.
Think it was the usual DoB, Address, and also 2 digits from your security number if you use Mobile Banking to identify you. The auto response before you get through to someone also asks for account number and sort code of an existing product you've got. 

dodomoney

Halifax during Covid have been atrocious when it comes to customer service.  I'm surprised you've been able to get through as I never can when I ring them.  I've had to use live chat via the app which is not ideal and takes weeks for them to respond.

Out of interest, when you transfer your ISA from nationwide to Halifax, can you also open a 2nd ISA with halifax in the same financial year (as with Nationwide you can do this, I think they call it a "split ISA" which is why I've never moved my Nationwide ISA to another bank).

Aidanmc

Don't think halifax offer 'split Isa' option

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/help-to-buy-ISA/

bredok

sharpinf said:

I did this today, after trying first via secure message on the Halifax App (existing customer) who insisted I call.
Took around 5 tries over a few days to get through without it being cut-off due to them being too busy and using existing product info on their auto call system. Got through and after initially being warned that the product wasn't available anymore; though after quoting parts of the website (and MSE  )  was transferred to another department with 30min wait time and warning it may not work.
Once transferred though was fine and easy to do with friendly person on the call. It takes a while as they need to read out all the ISA rules including all the definitions of what excludes you being a 1st time buyer. Was told it opens as an Instant ISA and is then converted to H2B once existing H2B transfer is received.

I'm not an existing customer with Halifax.. I managed to get through the phones but was then told I had to contact my current provider to transfer in h2b. Which doesnt seem like the normal process at all? And so I'm still not sure how to do this

Alexland

bredok said:

I'm not an existing customer with Halifax.. I managed to get through the phones but was then told I had to contact my current provider to transfer in h2b. Which doesnt seem like the normal process at all? And so I'm still not sure how to do this

No need to contact your current provider, you just need to keep phoning Halifax until you get someone competent.

sharpinf

bredok said:

I'm not an existing customer with Halifax.. I managed to get through the phones but was then told I had to contact my current provider to transfer in h2b. Which doesnt seem like the normal process at all? And so I'm still not sure how to do this

Unlucky - seems like related to the initial person I spoke to giving incorrect information that the H2B ISA could not be transferred to anymore, all I can say is maybe ask to transfer to speak/confirm with an 'ISA department' (don't know the actual department name) as the 2nd person I spoke to knew exactly what to do

Aidanmc

Called Halifax today to transfer H2B Isa, 3rd person i spoke to told me the call will take 40 mins, took all details, read out all terms and declarations and then was being transferred to another department to finish the process.....was then advised i would be on hold for another 1hour for the final dept to take my call. I couldn't commit to waiting another hour and ended the call!

Think i will now wait until after Covid 19!