Switching bank account

malvernlad

I've been trying without success to open a Nat West Reward account, initially to benefit from the £200 incentive, but have been unable to complete the application. Although an account has been reserved pending registering suitable identity, which is where the problem lies. The system won't recognise my photo driving licence, I admit the photo isn't very clear but I can't do anything to change that. in an effort to resolve this I went into a local branch for advise, I was given a phone number to contact, which I did but they were unable to assist. I then found out that as you initially have to open a single current account then convert it to a joint current account to complete a switch from an existing joint current account, but by doing this you are then deemed to  be an existing customer so then ineligible to receive the £200 incentive. A bit of a Catch 22 situation.
I discussed that as far as I'm aware this isn't mentioned anywhere in the t&c's and should be made clear before starting the rather lengthy process which results in not being able to take advantage of the incentive.
I'm now receiving regular unwanted text messages, so far more than 12, reminding me to complete my application, I also raised the matter of the soft credit check on my credit file at the time of making the application, asking for this to be rescinded as well as stopping text messages.  
A total waste of a lot of time including a visit to a local branch.

Djhdjh

My daughter - who is on universal credit & hence struggling financially - has switched account from First Direct to Nat West in order to claim the £200 changing fee.
This was more complex than first imagined as she had to explain to the office granting universal credit why she was switching.
Nat West very belatedly have now said - after everything completed - that a switch from First Direct does not qualify her to receive the £200.
Can’t find any indication anywhere why this should be the case.
As a single mother of 2 struggling to make ends meet this has come as a hammer blow.
Can anyone shed any light on this please.

Yellowman

A NatWest current account (via the switching service) can be opened with ID other than photo ID but without qualification for the £200 bonus.

Djhdjh

Forgive me but are you suggesting that NatWest are potentially withholding the £200 unless photo ID produced?

Yellowman

Djhdjh said:

Forgive me but are you suggesting that NatWest are potentially withholding the £200 unless photo ID produced?

Yes - this is explained on the HooYu website (which NatWest uses for confirming identity) and confirmed by NatWest on the telephone. 

I do not have any photo ID (only an old paper driving licence) but I can complete my NatWest online switch with other documents, although I would then not qualify for the £200 switch bonus.

Stargunner

Yellowman said:

Djhdjh said:

Forgive me but are you suggesting that NatWest are potentially withholding the £200 unless photo ID produced?

Yes - this is explained on the HooYu website (which NatWest uses for confirming identity) and confirmed by NatWest on the telephone. 

I do not have any photo ID (only an old paper driving licence) but I can complete my NatWest online switch with other documents, although I would then not qualify for the £200 switch bonus.

Why don’t you just open a NatcWest bank account without requesting a switch. Then once your account is up and running you can apply to switch a bank to them, which will qualify you for the switch incentive.

Djhdjh

Apparently NatWest are claiming that First Direct will not ‘participate’ in this process. No idea what that means but it does leave a sour taste in the mouth.