Planning switching to NatWest

icedms

I have opened a NatWest account with the intention of switching.
i was advised previously to open another account that I can use to switch so I can keep the account I’ve had longer than one of my children.
Opening the first account with the Co-op was a relatively smooth process,
in spite of me forgetting more than once some of my new details for the account.
Opening the NatWest account is another story - definitely not a smooth process.
I have now received an email advising me of my switching date. I didn’t agree a switching date, I wasn’t even aware that I had requested the switch yet. 

I contacted them and they said:

[ When you apply for switch then you're asked in switching form if you wish to proceed with switch as soon as possible and if you select the option of yes then there is no date is provided to agree, you're given option to choose the date when you select this option as no.]

I don’t remember any switching form. I know I’m a bit dozy but surely I would remember completing the switching form! 

When I opened the account at the co-op the request to switch there was very clear there was no way it could be done by accident. 

I think the date they have given for completing the switch by will be OK as my standing orders and direct debits don’t start going out till two days later - I think.

grumbler

I don't see a question here. And AFAIK Natwest doesn't require DDs to qualify for the bonus, to say nothing of SOs. So for the bonus it doesn't matter when they start going out.

Also, why Coop? Have you missed on Coop switching bonus?

Rob5342

They'll need the details of your other account to be able to do the switch, they can't know those unless you gave them those details.

icedms

Oh I didn’t realise it was a question and answer forum. 

I was sharing my experience to find out if anyone else has had a similar experience or if anyone could shine a light on what might have happened.
The comment about direct debits relates to a post I read when I started thinking about switching. It was something about the poor timing of the switch because DD or payments were going out on the same day - or something like that. 

The Coop account was only set up for the purpose of switching from it.

icedms

@Rob5342 I really need to stop doing things late at night. I thought I was asked about a current bank account as part of the application for the NatWest current account.
It’s got me baffled because my intention was to apply for the NatWest account and then request the switch once the account was open 😳

Afourteen

Found out last week you only get the 'Switch' bonus if it's done Online! Therefore you have to 'Online' banking enabled. 

flaneurs_lobster

icedms said:

@Rob5342 I really need to stop doing things late at night. I thought I was asked about a current bank account as part of the application for the NatWest current account.
It’s got me baffled because my intention was to apply for the NatWest account and then request the switch once the account was open 😳

If you had opened the account and then requested the switch at a later date then you would not have qualified for the bonus.

To get £200, you must:

..................< snip >.........

(b) as part of your application, transfer a non-NatWest current account to your new eligible account (which includes closing your non-NatWest current account and moving all your payment instructions [if any] to your new eligible account) using the Current Account Switch Service online or via the mobile app;

unless you opened the NatWest account prior to 14 Feb.

Shame about missing out on the Co-op £125.

icedms

@flaneurs_lobster Ok thanks for that I didn’t realise that you had to do the switch while opening the account. I’m definitely going to have to stop doing things at night.

I didn’t know anyone who banked with coop to refer me. I just wanted a new account to switch from.

Katiehound

Don't forget that for the welcome handshake.......you do the following......(perhaps not at night!!)

Deposit £1,250 into your account and log into our mobile banking app within 60 days.

icedms

@Katiehound for sure not at night lol! 

I’ve been using the app and already deposited half of the £1,250 so just need to deposit the other half and wait for £

dealyboy

Just a note ... if you enable Round Ups (single or double) on your new NatWest account, when you have opened their Digital Regular Saver (6.17% aer variable max £5,000, max £150 per month), then the round up amounts which are added to the saver do not count against the monthly limit and of course attract the same interest rate.