NO ACCESS TO ONLINE BANKING

jaswaine

An elderly relative of mine needs to find a new bank account that does not insist on online banking.  They have no access to a computer and would not be able to use even if they did.  They have been advised by HSBC that they cannot carry out any banking services in branch any more.  This has left them with a savings account they cannot access and very confused over how to access their current account.  Have rung the premium rate help line but were told the same need online banking. I live abroad so am unable to help.  Can anyone recommend a bank that will allow them to carry out their banking in branch.

iris

What about telephone banking?

Robin9

Bank with HSBC but via the Post Office

[Deleted User]

 Not recently with the current circumstances but i bank in branch at hsbc all the time usually. Paying in cheques, withdrawals at the counter etc

 Banks should be fully open again now

eskbanker

jaswaine said:

An elderly relative of mine needs to find a new bank account that does not insist on online banking.  They have no access to a computer and would not be able to use even if they did.  They have been advised by HSBC that they cannot carry out any banking services in branch any more.  This has left them with a savings account they cannot access and very confused over how to access their current account.  Have rung the premium rate help line but were told the same need online banking. I live abroad so am unable to help.  Can anyone recommend a bank that will allow them to carry out their banking in branch.

Sounds like some crossed wires somewhere along the line - like most banks they're promoting their online facilities but falling some way short of mandating them, via statements such as:

You can do many things through online banking and on our mobile banking app (on compatible devices) without having to leave your home. Digital banking is safe and secure, it also helps reduce the load on our branches and call centres so they can focus on the issues immediately impacting people’s finances.

Banking online can help you stay safe and also reduce the demand on our branches and call centres so they can focus on the most urgent issues

Are you claiming that both you and they were specifically told that they must use online banking and that they literally wouldn't be allowed to do anything in branch?  What account is it?

Were they told this by HSBC staff in branch or is it perhaps possible that this was some sort of scam?  Your mention of premium rate help line doesn't ring true (no pun intended!), as their call centres use standard inclusive 0345n numbers, although if you're calling from overseas then it would obviously cost you more than someone calling from within the UK....

Notepad_Phil

Could it be that the local branch is closing and hence they will not be able to go into that branch, rather than that they cannot go into any branch?

That happened to Mrs Notepad's mother with HSBC and whilst it did make things difficult for her, she did not get told that she could not use any other branch and so she continued with them at a more distant branch with our occasional help. If this is what has occurred and there are no other branches in the area that they could use, then the choice of bank will depend on what banks are local to your relative.

harsh_but_fair

Althoug not currently taking new applications, first direct are a very good telephone bank. Hopefully they will start soon

elsien

Check this for her.
https://www.hsbc.co.uk/branch-finder/

born_again

jaswaine said:

An elderly relative of mine needs to find a new bank account that does not insist on online banking.  They have no access to a computer and would not be able to use even if they did.  They have been advised by HSBC that they cannot carry out any banking services in branch any more.  This has left them with a savings account they cannot access and very confused over how to access their current account.  Have rung the premium rate help line but were told the same need online banking. I live abroad so am unable to help.  Can anyone recommend a bank that will allow them to carry out their banking in branch.

What branches does she have local to her?
That is the 1st place to start. 
All banks are pushing online/digital channels at the moment. Trying to keep people out of branches unless really needed. So is it possible that she misunderstood what the rep was saying.
HSBC is not a premium rate number to call 03457 404 404