Switched Account successfully and then declined- Nationwide. Help Please

Getting_better

Hi
This problem actually happened to my other half.  I recommended him to Nationwide (for the offer), he finally started the switch from his Barclays current account and also applied for a credit card with Nationwide.  After the online application they needed some forms of ID so we went along and provided them in a branch.  He then received his debit and credit card, pin numbers, confirmation that the ID was fine and current account opened and then switch was in progress.  On the 6th he received confirmation that the switch had completed successfully and he was able to see his current account and credit account on the mobile banking app.  Today he received an email from fraud @ nationwide saying they were not going to open up a current account for him.

On calling up they said he had failed their requirements but couldn't say what.  It is very odd that the account was open, his money is in limbo with Nationwide and they have told him to go into the branch and he can withdraw the cash or apply for one of their basic accounts.  They have closed his barclays account as per switch.

I suppose I just wondered how they could do this after accepting and setting up the accounts, closing his old account.  Also strange is they have no problem with the credit card account!  The timing of this could be better (being bank holiday) also they told him to move his direct debits as they won't go out but to where? as they have closed his old account.  Sorry if I'm repeating myself but can they do this?  I know they can reject an application but I mean after going through the 3 weeks of applying, providing info in branch, switch etc.  Is it just that we write a complaint to them or have I missed something? 
Many thanks in advance.  

digalumps

It seems very strange and extremely annoying but if the facts are as you reported then it seems that at the moment you do not have an active current account - your Barclays account has been closed also your Nationwide one

the best advice I can give you in the short term is to open another current account as quickly as you can you can either try one of the high street banks or you can try monzo or starling from the app on your smartphone they are usually pretty quick

going forward you can try raising a complaint with Nationwide - no idea what your chances are of success

colsten

This is most definitely a cause for a complaint. I echo the recommendations from digalumps.

But it is also yet another reminder that people should not switch until their new account is fully open and working. Opening an account and switching to it are two entirely separate processes. It's  shame that this isn't made clearer by the banks 

societys_child

"It is very odd that the account was open"

It does look like something has come to light. Has your other half no idea what  it might be?

Getting_better

thanks all. We'll go in branch on Monday and then raise a complaint.  As Colsten said- opening and switching are completely separate.  I've switched loads and never had a problem- he'll never listen to me again