Is the barclays ISA a unicorn?

I have tried for 3 days to open a barclays 4% ISA. The process is impossible - you can’t open online, so i called to book an appointment. You can’t book an appointment until you download their app and verify yourself. I did that and then the app directed me to the phone number to book an appointment. I called (and after a massively annoying IVR) i spoke to an advisor who despite best efforts was unable to book an appointment and advised me to pop into a branch… 

Has anybody managed to open this ISA? Should I give up and go elsewhere? It’s no wonder Barclays are investing in digital skills, you need a bloody phd to access their services! 
:j 2012 Money Saving Mission :j

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Comments

  • xylophone
    xylophone Posts: 45,543 Forumite
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     is the barclays ISA a unicorn?

    Can it only be captured by a virgin? :)

  • xylophone
    xylophone Posts: 45,543 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Has anybody managed to open this ISA? 

    Yes, I have (together with thousands of others presumably).

    Have you tried using the app to open a Barclays current account and then applying for the ISA through the app?

    I can't use the app but opened a current account on line, waited for the log in details to come through the post then applied for the ISA.

    But experiences vary.....


    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6425742/tried-opening-a-isa-with-barclays/p1

  • grumbler said:
    I did avoid them. I just sat at home and downloaded their app. I then opened a current account from the app. That then entitled me to open the ISA from within the app and both accounts were opened and the ISA funded within 40 mins. Very simple process!
  • Thanks for the responses and glad its not just me that has found the process difficult. I’m really IT literate so the lack of access makes my blood boil for those less able to navigate the system. The digital training programme they offer is clearly a PR stunt to balance their channel shift programme - sneaky. 

    I think I will avoid Barclays, I don’t want to open another current account there and the difficulty accessing makes me concerned actually getting my cash back might be a pain! 
    :j 2012 Money Saving Mission :j

    Overpay Mortgage 0/£5,000
    Comp wins 0/12

    Thanks to all who contribute!!
  • LHW99
    LHW99 Posts: 5,105 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I seem to remember Barclays had a fund called Unicorn, many years ago .....
  • Band7
    Band7 Posts: 2,285 Forumite
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    Thanks for the responses and glad its not just me that has found the process difficult. I’m really IT literate so the lack of access makes my blood boil for those less able to navigate the system. The digital training programme they offer is clearly a PR stunt to balance their channel shift programme - sneaky. 

    I think I will avoid Barclays, I don’t want to open another current account there and the difficulty accessing makes me concerned actually getting my cash back might be a pain! 
    Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Barclays do from time to time have great products - e.g. their 1 year Flexible ISA, and their 5% Rainy Day Saver. 

    Yes, you need to have a current account as a pre-req, and yes, some people stumble in the ID verification stage. But others sail through the process in very little time, and can then benefit from the products on offer. I am saying this as one of the people for whom opening their current account was an issue since I had previously held a current account with them which I had closed with undue haste, and their systems couldn't understand why I came back....... But I persisted and I am glad I did.
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,653 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Has anybody managed to open this ISA? Should I give up and go elsewhere?
    Yes and maybe, if you have a virgin current account then they offer a better rate.

  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
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    phillw said:
    Has anybody managed to open this ISA? Should I give up and go elsewhere?
    if you have a virgin current account then they offer a better rate.

    ... but don't allow any penalty-free withdrawals

  • Band7 said:
    Thanks for the responses and glad its not just me that has found the process difficult. I’m really IT literate so the lack of access makes my blood boil for those less able to navigate the system. The digital training programme they offer is clearly a PR stunt to balance their channel shift programme - sneaky. 

    I think I will avoid Barclays, I don’t want to open another current account there and the difficulty accessing makes me concerned actually getting my cash back might be a pain! 
    Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Barclays do from time to time have great products - e.g. their 1 year Flexible ISA, and their 5% Rainy Day Saver. 

    Yes, you need to have a current account as a pre-req, and yes, some people stumble in the ID verification stage. But others sail through the process in very little time, and can then benefit from the products on offer. I am saying this as one of the people for whom opening their current account was an issue since I had previously held a current account with them which I had closed with undue haste, and their systems couldn't understand why I came back....... But I persisted and I am glad I did.
    Thank you. I did have a wobble after my post and tried to open a current account with barclays to get the isa however you can only open a current account through the app, and as i had started the isa opening process i am now stuck in the app ‘book appointment’ stage and so unable to open a current account. It’s incredibly frustrating…. If i go near a branch anytime soon i will pop in and keep my fingers and toes crossed!
    :j 2012 Money Saving Mission :j

    Overpay Mortgage 0/£5,000
    Comp wins 0/12

    Thanks to all who contribute!!
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