I applied for an specific bank account, but the bank opened another without my consent.

Masha_2

Hi, I'm having a little issue here. but it's upsetting me. 
I applied for a bank account for the cash back at switching and because it all looked okay doing so online. a credit check was done and all appeared excellent and the overdraft allowance was high as per the requisites. However I received  a letter saying that they could't open it but that I can still call directly or go to the bank to open the account.

then days later I received a debit card, not the type of account i asked for. I tried to contact the bank, they couldnt help without a verification number that never arrived.
They are already switching my other current account to this new account I didn't asked for. and it just doesn't feel right. I don't know what that means on my credit score for example if I have to close this account I didn't ask for, then if I can undo all that and if I can still request for the account I want for the good cash back. 
Am I exaggerating on feeling this way? should I just leave that account open? I would like to close it really and look for another account that gives or a good cash back or good interest rate on balance. It is worth to complain for this, I just think it's really not correct they opened an account I didn't ask for.
Thanks

Eco_Miser

If this is now your only account (because your old one has been switched), don't close it - you need an account.

You could go into a branch with the debit card and other paperwork you've received, and ID, to try to sort things out, get the account upgraded to the one you wanted and get the switch reward.

You could make a formal complaint.

You could just open an account elsewhere, and switch this one to it.

colsten

Which account did you apply for, and which account did you get? Which bank?

Masha_2

Eco_Miser said:

If this is now your only account (because your old one has been switched), don't close it - you need an account.

You could go into a branch with the debit card and other paperwork you've received, and ID, to try to sort things out, get the account upgraded to the one you wanted and get the switch reward.

You could make a formal complaint.

You could just open an account elsewhere, and switch this one to it.

That is really I good advice. Thanks a lot. Fortunately this is not the only account I own. I think I would make a formal complaint if they don't open the account I asked for.
Thanks

Masha_2

colsten said:

Which account did you apply for, and which account did you get? Which bank?

I applied for advance card, and instead was given the basic debit card on hsbc. thanks

colsten

Masha_2 said:

colsten said:

Which account did you apply for, and which account did you get? Which bank?

I applied for advance card, and instead was given the basic debit card on hsbc. thanks

So HSBC have decided that you are not eligible for their Advance account and are only prepared to give your their basic account. This kind of thing is common across all bank though some will communicate more effectively than HSBC. Making a complaint is almost certainly no use - they will definitely not give you an Advance account now.

If you now don't want the basic account, you can switch it to a different bank once your switch, that seems to be in progress, has been completed. Depending on how advanced the switch is, you may also be still able to stop it - -  just call your existing bank and ask them not to proceed with the HSBC switch request. You don't need to give your existing bank any reason for this, as you can change your mind up to a certain point in time. If you want to stop the switch, call them straight away.

Masha_2

colsten said:

Masha_2 said:

colsten said:

Which account did you apply for, and which account did you get? Which bank?

I applied for advance card, and instead was given the basic debit card on hsbc. thanks

So HSBC have decided that you are not eligible for their Advance account and are only prepared to give your their basic account. This kind of thing is common across all bank though some will communicate more effectively than HSBC. Making a complaint is almost certainly no use - they will definitely not give you an Advance account now.

If you now don't want the basic account, you can switch it to a different bank once your switch, that seems to be in progress, has been completed. Depending on how advanced the switch is, you may also be still able to stop it - -  just call your existing bank and ask them not to proceed with the HSBC switch request. You don't need to give your existing bank any reason for this, as you can change your mind up to a certain point in time. If you want to stop the switch, call them straight away.

Yes, I did call my bank, they have advised the couldn't do anything and I should do it from hsbc, I called them too but, after answering they go on mute after a long wait, so only option to go is to hsbc branch. Thanks for your comments and advice. 

Tragen

The good news is that you'll end up in the same position once you've switched away from HSBC, which I think you would have have done anyway regardless of which account you got. They are a very clunky bank and I personally feel they've done you a favour because you've got to experience how inept they are without spending too much time with them.

My advice, switch to a good bank as soon as you get your incentive!

[Deleted User]

Tragen said:

The good news is that you'll end up in the same position once you've switched away from HSBC, which I think you would have have done anyway regardless of which account you got. They are a very clunky bank and I personally feel they've done you a favour because you've got to experience how inept they are without spending too much time with them.

My advice, switch to a good bank as soon as you get your incentive!

Does the substitute account offer an incentive for a switch in?
It may, if it's their standard (i.e. non advance) current current but not if it's actually their basic product.

Tragen

dahj said:

Does the substitute account offer an incentive for a switch in?
It may, if it's their standard (i.e. non advance) current current but not if it's actually their basic product.

Oops, you're right. Oh well, no incentive by the sounds of it. Just switch out to a good bank when you're ready.

Masha_2

Went to bank, they haven't accepted their fault, instead they say I may have applied for the other account. but the letter received it says if I wanted to open an account to call them or go to bank. I expressed that I was willing to complain and they say, you can well do so.  they said the can stop the switch process.
I wonder if my credit score is affected if I switch from hsbc to other bank again.
I applied for the advance card knowing I complied with the requisites.
I reluctantly opened and account for my child there which offers good interest too and wanted to take the incentive opening my account too.They have a really bad customer service, it's awful.