Investec and smart phone software

stonechat

Be aware that if you want to open a new account with Investec, on their new website, you need to upload photos of ID via your smart phone, they tell you this on emails and on their website.  OK, all assembled and ready to go. 

However, they don't warn you that your smart phone software needs to be Android version 9 or above. 

I've just had a frustrating morning with the advisor on "chat" (just as well I can touch type), during which she realised what the problem was!  I have raised a complaint with Investec and now await their response, which I'll update on. 

Ayr_Rage

Seeing as Android 13 is the current version then it is not that surprising that 8 and below are no longer supported.

What version are you using ?

Normally the Play Store will not allow you to download an incompatible app, did you actually manage to install the app ?

The app information that I can see for "Investec UK" shows it works on 5.0 and above with the most recent update on 25 Jan 2023. 

stonechat

Hi, that was a quick response. 

My Android version is 7.  So from V7 in 2016 to V13 now, that's a version a year.

I don't download apps onto my phone for banking, as a principle and it suits me better.   It is possible to upload a photo from a smartphone to the site that the bank uses and thence to the bank site, my husband did this with his (younger) phone. 

Interesting what you say about app information, it implies it should have worked.  I was going round in circles. 

Ayr_Rage

@stonechat if you go to the Play Store and search for the "Investec UK" app there should be a message saying if it is compatible with your device.

stonechat

Thank you, yes, I can see on my phone.   I think it was their intermediary verification software which didn't like my Android 7. 

eskbanker

stonechat said:

However, they don't warn you that your smart phone software needs to be Android version 9 or above.  

They do at https://savings.investec.com/faqs

Which smartphones are supported for the application process? 

You can complete the application with any smartphone running on at least Android 9.0 or iOS12. If you're not sure, all phones are different but you can usually find this information in your device's settings, most likely under a header similar to "About this phone". Any number equal or higher to 9.0 for Androids or 12 for iPhones should be compatible. 

stonechat

Aha, I've no doubt that will be pointed out to me by Investec.

I didn't burrow down that far on the website when I was looking at the savings accounts.  In the meantime, I'm going to look at other savings accounts and bear that in mind.

I'm still irritated that I'm being pushed into buying a new smartphone when it's not that old and functions well enough for my requirements. 

stonechat

And it looks as if I'm going to have to flounce off, clutching my money in the electronic equivalent of an old suitcase, seeking another bank!

Eco_Miser

Do you have to use your own phone to take & upload the photos, or could your husband's phone be used? The faqs quoted by eskbanker suggest it could.

stonechat

Hello eco_miser, that did occur to me, but they ask for the mobile phone number when you open the account (and did so for the old account that I had).  It would also be very inconvenient for both of us to have his mobile no. on my account.  I'll wait and see what the response to my complaint is.  They may have a workround, it depends how much they want my money.

Eskbanker is right, the information is in the FAQ's.  However, I'd argue that this was an "unknown unknown".  I did skim through the terms and conditions, but it didn't occur to me that this was a question that I should ask. 

The related point is about having to upgrade perfectly useable electronic items.  It's not just phones, it's laptops, TVs, etc.

Zanderman

stonechat said:

Hello eco_miser, that did occur to me, but they ask for the mobile phone number when you open the account (and did so for the old account that I had).  It would also be very inconvenient for both of us to have his mobile no. on my account.  I'll wait and see what the response to my complaint is.  They may have a workround, it depends how much they want my money.

Eskbanker is right, the information is in the FAQ's.  However, I'd argue that this was an "unknown unknown".  I did skim through the terms and conditions, but it didn't occur to me that this was a question that I should ask. 

The related point is about having to upgrade perfectly useable electronic items.  It's not just phones, it's laptops, TVs, etc.

I think the point being made is that the ID bit could be done on another phone.

That doesn't mean that that phone has to be kept as the phone registered to the account though, it would only be used for the ID part of account opening.