Memorable word

Taffyduck1

Hello, first time posting, I requested a new pin reminder with Vanquis and whilst on the phone the gentleman asked me to provide a memorable word to easier access my account in future for change of address etc. Is this normal practice?

CliveOfIndia

It's not uncommon.  It's just another security question they can ask you when you phone them, so that they can verify it's really you they're talking to.

Taffyduck1

CliveOfIndia said:

It's not uncommon.  It's just another security question they can ask you when you phone them, so that they can verify it's really you they're talking to.

So it is normal to provide the word verbally?

CliveOfIndia

It depends on how you prefer to contact them.  I've certainly done it verbally in the past when I've made telephone contact, equally I've done it online when making an online application.  Most recently I got an HSBC card and had to phone them up to get an activation code for online banking (seems a bit perverse, but there you are!).  They asked me for a memorable word on the phone.

I wouldn't worry unduly about it - assuming, of course, that you initiated the contact and were certain you were talking to a genuine customer services rep.  It would be a different matter if you got a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Vanquis.

Taffyduck1

CliveOfIndia said:

It depends on how you prefer to contact them.  I've certainly done it verbally in the past when I've made telephone contact, equally I've done it online when making an online application.  Most recently I got an HSBC card and had to phone them up to get an activation code for online banking (seems a bit perverse, but there you are!).  They asked me for a memorable word on the phone.

I wouldn't worry unduly about it - assuming, of course, that you initiated the contact and were certain you were talking to a genuine customer services rep.  It would be a different matter if you got a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Vanquis.

Yes I initiated contact, but you can't be too careful in these times! Thank you Cliveof India!

CliveOfIndia

Taffyduck1 said:

CliveOfIndia said:

It depends on how you prefer to contact them.  I've certainly done it verbally in the past when I've made telephone contact, equally I've done it online when making an online application.  Most recently I got an HSBC card and had to phone them up to get an activation code for online banking (seems a bit perverse, but there you are!).  They asked me for a memorable word on the phone.

I wouldn't worry unduly about it - assuming, of course, that you initiated the contact and were certain you were talking to a genuine customer services rep.  It would be a different matter if you got a phone call out of the blue from someone claiming to be from Vanquis.

Yes I initiated contact, but you can't be too careful in these times! Thank you Cliveof India!

Glad to be of help.  And you're right, it's wise to be very cautious with such things, especially where financial products are involved.  Good for you to question it, to be honest

MEM62

Taffyduck1 said:

CliveOfIndia said:

It's not uncommon.  It's just another security question they can ask you when you phone them, so that they can verify it's really you they're talking to.

So it is normal to provide the word verbally?

If you are on the phone, yes.  

km1500

or even orally is acceptable

NoodleDoodleMan

km1500 said:

or even orally is acceptable

You have to be very loud to carry your voice over the distance involved though !!!