Britannia Problems ISA transfer

Quietearth

Just a caution.  I tried to make an online application from my current ISA provider (Britannia) to another Building Society, to transfer my maturing ISA. Unfortunately the online system didn't recognise the format of the sort code/account number I was entering.  I ended up phoning both companies several times to try to work out what the issue was, but no one could resolve it, so (one and a half hours later) I requested a snail mail application form (groan) from the new (prospective) provider.  Subsequently I have discovered that what Britannia call your account number is in fact the roll number (it is more than 8 digits long).  So if you want to make an online application you either ONLY enter the roll number, nothing else, OR you enter the sort code and account number as all ZEROS.  I'm surprised that the advisers at Britannia are not aware of these issues.  I doubt I'm the only one to have encountered such a problem.    

refluxer

The Nationwide also still seem to be quite fond of roll numbers - they've caused me issues in the past too but, thankfully, the only accounts with roll numbers I have now are a few building society passbook accounts I look after for the kids and one remaining ISA.

When I transferred a previous Nationwide ISA to another building society in the past, I had to add an extra box myself onto the new building society's (paper) transfer form as there weren't enough spaces ! Thankfully, the transfer completed without a problem.

masonic

Many ISAs do not have a unique routable sort code and account number (to my knowledge no S&S ISAs do). It is a shame some providers still seem unable to deal with this.