Child & Co RBS Branch to close

WillPS

[Deleted User] said:

WillPS said:

Gers said:

Marchitiello said:

Gers said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

gt94sss2 said:

WillPS said:

Lots of reports of Drummonds cards being issued now, so I gave it a go myself and according to Google Pay I have indeed been issued a Drummonds branded Mastercard.

Is that for a new card or a replacement for an existing one?

Brand new Select account for an existing RBS (Child's) customer, using the old rbos.com form.

Would you be able to provide a link please to that form. I can't seem to track it down.

Many thanks,
David

In this very thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79155580/#Comment_79155580

Received the card today, it's a fair bit worse than I imagined actually, dislike it even compared to the NatWest one. Would recommend Child & Co (15-80-00) if it's still available.

WillPS said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

gt94sss2 said:

WillPS said:

Lots of reports of Drummonds cards being issued now, so I gave it a go myself and according to Google Pay I have indeed been issued a Drummonds branded Mastercard.

Is that for a new card or a replacement for an existing one?

Brand new Select account for an existing RBS (Child's) customer, using the old rbos.com form.

Would you be able to provide a link please to that form. I can't seem to track it down.

Many thanks,
David

In this very thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79155580/#Comment_79155580

Received the card today, it's a fair bit worse than I imagined actually, dislike it even compared to the NatWest one. Would recommend Child & Co (15-80-00) if it's still available.

Thank you!   I had my wits about me, it would have been sensible to look back through the thread.

I have just gone through the application process with the Drummonds Sort Code (already have a Child Account).

I received an application confirmation reference number and advised that I would receive an email with regard to further documentation that might be required.

I doubt very much that I would meet 'Premier' requirements. I'll report back on what occurs.

Thanks,
David

How did you manage to select the Drummond sort code - I've just applied for a new account (already have a Child account) but there was no option to select a particular branch, I now have two accounts with Child!

Thanks

Did you use the link posted several times, including twice in this very thread, the last time on p.21, 5th post from the top?

brucefan_2 said:

Gers said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

gt94sss2 said:

WillPS said:

Lots of reports of Drummonds cards being issued now, so I gave it a go myself and according to Google Pay I have indeed been issued a Drummonds branded Mastercard.

Is that for a new card or a replacement for an existing one?

Brand new Select account for an existing RBS (Child's) customer, using the old rbos.com form.

Would you be able to provide a link please to that form. I can't seem to track it down.

Many thanks,
David

In this very thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79155580/#Comment_79155580

Received the card today, it's a fair bit worse than I imagined actually, dislike it even compared to the NatWest one. Would recommend Child & Co (15-80-00) if it's still available.

WillPS said:

brucefan_2 said:

WillPS said:

gt94sss2 said:

WillPS said:

Lots of reports of Drummonds cards being issued now, so I gave it a go myself and according to Google Pay I have indeed been issued a Drummonds branded Mastercard.

Is that for a new card or a replacement for an existing one?

Brand new Select account for an existing RBS (Child's) customer, using the old rbos.com form.

Would you be able to provide a link please to that form. I can't seem to track it down.

Many thanks,
David

In this very thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/79155580/#Comment_79155580

Received the card today, it's a fair bit worse than I imagined actually, dislike it even compared to the NatWest one. Would recommend Child & Co (15-80-00) if it's still available.

Thank you!   I had my wits about me, it would have been sensible to look back through the thread.

I have just gone through the application process with the Drummonds Sort Code (already have a Child Account).

I received an application confirmation reference number and advised that I would receive an email with regard to further documentation that might be required.

I doubt very much that I would meet 'Premier' requirements. I'll report back on what occurs.

Thanks,
David

How did you manage to select the Drummond sort code - I've just applied for a new account (already have a Child account) but there was no option to select a particular branch, I now have two accounts with Child!

Thanks

I used the link on the previous page of this thread, which someone kindly posted and went through the application process, which was pretty quick.

The option to choose the branch by entering the sort code was on (I think) the penultimate page of the application. It was not possible to proceed without confirming that choice (by clicking and highlighting).

It was all very straightforward.

David

Thanks, I had clicked on a wrong link. Now done the correct thing. Got the reference number etc. 

Just a note to anyone reading - be careful about submitting multiple applications to Natwest Group (or any bank) in a short space of time as this is a textbook way of flagging your account up for attention (which can lead to awkward phone calls and/or account closures).

And that’s how people who can’t be bothered to read ruin good things for others (should they notice and close down the form)

I don't think this is a 'dicey form' or even a Natwest Group thing though. If you apply for lots of accounts at once anywhere you are highly likely to get flagged for manual review as it's a classic sign of financial distress and/or identity theft.

It's a very bad idea.

trient

If you apply for lots of accounts at once anywhere you are highly likely to get flagged for manual review as it's a classic sign of financial distress and/or identity theft.

It's a case of YMMV. With one bank I open donor accounts in batches (to get more value out of a hard search for the day).  The most I did was 6 at a time. I've had 18 accounts with them and never had any issues, there or elsewhere.

WillPS

trient said:

If you apply for lots of accounts at once anywhere you are highly likely to get flagged for manual review as it's a classic sign of financial distress and/or identity theft.

It's a case of YMMV. With one bank I open donor accounts in batches (to get more value out of a hard search for the day).  The most I did was 6 at a time. I've had 18 accounts with them and never had any issues, there or elsewhere.

So long as you don't care if that bank chooses to end its relationship with you, it's not a problem as there's no real risk.

Given the purpose of these applications is to get sort-of-but-not-really prestigious debit cards, one presumes those applying would actually like to be able to use them.

[Deleted User]

Marchitiello said:

Deleted_User said:

With the obvious caveats here are that:

1. RBS in England & Wales (plus NatWest in Scotland) are essentially closed to new business.
2. Retail Child & Co is essentially closed to new business.
3. Retail Drummonds is alive for the time being but no promises over longevity.  
4. Using legacy RBOS forms may result in NatWest Group closing all your accounts. 

This must be your own conclusion:

1- you can open an RBS account in England & Wales as you can a NatWest account in Scotland, and is anything they have managed to better integrate the two  operations lately. The fact that there are only two branches of RBS operating in England & Wales (Drummonds and Holts) but supported by NatWest Branch network, does not imply that they are closed to new business as everything is moving to Digital for al banks not only NatWest group.

2- so far that seems to be the case

3- Drummonds is a brand associated to a particular RBS branch, renovated completely in 2020/21, and is a quite profitable one for them with the dedicated team dealing with lottery winners, so likely to stay around, but there is no guarantee on longevity on anything in Life. 

4- this is the most absurd of all conclusion you have made. The form is available on their website. The only thing it still does, it makes branch selection possible. If they did not want for people to use it, they can completely remove it from their own website, it is not a cause for account closure 🙈

1. Advised by NatWest staff dealing with my soon to closed (former) Scottish branch. 
2. Essentially closed to new business.
3. Essentially closed to new retail business; HNW/Lottery relates to private banking.
4. More than one instance where they have been referred to the Application Verification Unit & all group accounts closed. 

Anyway, Buon Natale 

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

Marchitiello said:

Deleted_User said:

With the obvious caveats here are that:

1. RBS in England & Wales (plus NatWest in Scotland) are essentially closed to new business.
2. Retail Child & Co is essentially closed to new business.
3. Retail Drummonds is alive for the time being but no promises over longevity.  
4. Using legacy RBOS forms may result in NatWest Group closing all your accounts. 

This must be your own conclusion:

1- you can open an RBS account in England & Wales as you can a NatWest account in Scotland, and is anything they have managed to better integrate the two  operations lately. The fact that there are only two branches of RBS operating in England & Wales (Drummonds and Holts) but supported by NatWest Branch network, does not imply that they are closed to new business as everything is moving to Digital for al banks not only NatWest group.

2- so far that seems to be the case

3- Drummonds is a brand associated to a particular RBS branch, renovated completely in 2020/21, and is a quite profitable one for them with the dedicated team dealing with lottery winners, so likely to stay around, but there is no guarantee on longevity on anything in Life. 

4- this is the most absurd of all conclusion you have made. The form is available on their website. The only thing it still does, it makes branch selection possible. If they did not want for people to use it, they can completely remove it from their own website, it is not a cause for account closure 🙈

1. Advised by NatWest staff dealing with my soon to closed (former) Scottish branch. 
2. Essentially closed to new business.
3. Essentially closed to new retail business; HNW/Lottery relates to private banking.
4. More than one instance where they have been referred to the Application Verification Unit & all group accounts closed. 

Anyway, Buon Natale 

1. It may be closed in that they have shut / are in the process of shutting all branches, but there is absolutely nothing stopping you from opening an RBS, NatWest or even Ulster Bank account from anywhere in the UK, and it can be easily serviced from whatever branch is in your part of the country. 

2-3. Not sure how we define this. Was either branch ever intentionally open to retail business?

4. Is that only at application stage? Why would they shut all Group accounts? It sounds like hearsay and unclear if the reason is the old form or some other issue with application/customer. 

WillPS

Deleted_User said:

Marchitiello said:

Deleted_User said:

With the obvious caveats here are that:

1. RBS in England & Wales (plus NatWest in Scotland) are essentially closed to new business.
2. Retail Child & Co is essentially closed to new business.
3. Retail Drummonds is alive for the time being but no promises over longevity.  
4. Using legacy RBOS forms may result in NatWest Group closing all your accounts. 

This must be your own conclusion:

1- you can open an RBS account in England & Wales as you can a NatWest account in Scotland, and is anything they have managed to better integrate the two  operations lately. The fact that there are only two branches of RBS operating in England & Wales (Drummonds and Holts) but supported by NatWest Branch network, does not imply that they are closed to new business as everything is moving to Digital for al banks not only NatWest group.

2- so far that seems to be the case

3- Drummonds is a brand associated to a particular RBS branch, renovated completely in 2020/21, and is a quite profitable one for them with the dedicated team dealing with lottery winners, so likely to stay around, but there is no guarantee on longevity on anything in Life. 

4- this is the most absurd of all conclusion you have made. The form is available on their website. The only thing it still does, it makes branch selection possible. If they did not want for people to use it, they can completely remove it from their own website, it is not a cause for account closure 🙈

1. Advised by NatWest staff dealing with my soon to closed (former) Scottish branch. 
2. Essentially closed to new business.
3. Essentially closed to new retail business; HNW/Lottery relates to private banking.
4. More than one instance where they have been referred to the Application Verification Unit & all group accounts closed. 

Anyway, Buon Natale 

'Someone told me' is a pretty naff source compared to the official bank websites, would you not agree? I'm reminded of the former member who claimed the Child's branded stationary would disappear soon following the branch closure and be vanquished by the move to Mastercard, despite the fact RBS had committed publicly to not do that.

What evidence have you that the referral to the 'application verification unit' was related to use of the old form, please? Seems an odd thing to only occasionally cause a problem. I put it to you that the referral was unrelated and the closure of group accounts due to a suspicion of fraud.

Child & Co is closed, but Drummonds is absolutely not - literally or metaphorically. Again, your supposition has absolutely no grounding in fact. In any case, the branch itself closing does not mean a great deal if all you want is a fancy chequebook and debit card - since (as evidenced by Child's and the Mastercard redesign) those continue beyond the branch's physical presence.

brucefan_2

[Deleted User] said:

If you’re an existing customer, it should go:

Day 0: you get email with the application ref
Day 1: Text to say your number has been updated
Day 2: account shows in online banking
Day 3: card can be added to Apple or Google Pay from the app

This all happens overnight from one working day to the next calendar day. So Saturday you might be able to add card to mobile wallet already, otherwise it’ll happen after the bank hols. 

So, for me, it was even quicker than that:

Day 0:     Confirmation email received
Day 1:    Text received
Day 1.5   Email received with sort code and account number
Day 2:     Account shows up in online banking 
               After 30 minutes of doing battle with Cora The Bot to get a verification code, my card showed up in Google
               Pay
Day 3:     (Today) Received email with details of cutomer number etc., 

Best Wishes,
David

[Deleted User]

Well that’s annoying I applied in July I think and got the house card. Maybe I should order a new card or re-apply? I will give it six months first.

Not the end of the world as I do prefer the child branding.

Marchitiello

Deleted_User said:

Marchitiello said:

Deleted_User said:

With the obvious caveats here are that:

1. RBS in England & Wales (plus NatWest in Scotland) are essentially closed to new business.
2. Retail Child & Co is essentially closed to new business.
3. Retail Drummonds is alive for the time being but no promises over longevity.  
4. Using legacy RBOS forms may result in NatWest Group closing all your accounts. 

This must be your own conclusion:

1- you can open an RBS account in England & Wales as you can a NatWest account in Scotland, and is anything they have managed to better integrate the two  operations lately. The fact that there are only two branches of RBS operating in England & Wales (Drummonds and Holts) but supported by NatWest Branch network, does not imply that they are closed to new business as everything is moving to Digital for al banks not only NatWest group.

2- so far that seems to be the case

3- Drummonds is a brand associated to a particular RBS branch, renovated completely in 2020/21, and is a quite profitable one for them with the dedicated team dealing with lottery winners, so likely to stay around, but there is no guarantee on longevity on anything in Life. 

4- this is the most absurd of all conclusion you have made. The form is available on their website. The only thing it still does, it makes branch selection possible. If they did not want for people to use it, they can completely remove it from their own website, it is not a cause for account closure 🙈

1. Advised by NatWest staff dealing with my soon to closed (former) Scottish branch. 
2. Essentially closed to new business.
3. Essentially closed to new retail business; HNW/Lottery relates to private banking.
4. More than one instance where they have been referred to the Application Verification Unit & all group accounts closed. 

Anyway, Buon Natale 

3 - Lottery winners departments within the branch (which I visit almost weekly) is behind a screen at the back
of the branch, it was a reason for which I stated the physical branch will probably not close, not that it is only open for HNWI… when I visit there are at least 2/3 people queuing (nice queuing as you actually sit on a sofa and they call you when is your turn).  I was first a Child & Co customer served in branch there but then started visiting St James for work more often and started using Drummonds and opened a second account there. I am now fully serviced at Drummonds (from before C&C branch actually closed) and get account reviews with the Branch team, but last week I opened online a First Saver in trust for my youngest and it was assigned the C&C sort code (for my middle one a couple of years ago we had opened in branch and got the Drummond sort code) 

brucefan_2

On a slightly brighter note than my other RBS dealings this week, my new 'Drummonds' branded card arrived today, same design as the card pictured on October 15th in this thread.

Best Wishes,
David