Anyone tried to open a Westbrom ISA?

Murmansk · 3 December 2023 at 3:56PM

I started the process online and they wanted me to send them certified proofs of ID, which I did about three weeks ago, but the account still isn't open. I rang them and they said they've been busy!

Is it just me?!

refluxer · 3 December 2023 at 5:00PM

It's not uncommon for a smaller bank or building society to get overwhelmed if they offer a table-topping rate and start to feature on popular sites like MSE. They don't seem to be offering any such accounts at the moment - were they a few weeks ago ? I guess the run-up to Christmas could be a busy time for them in general, for whatever reason.

I'm fortunate in that I usually pass online ID verification checks when applying for accounts as a new customer so on the odd occasion that it does look like I'll need to prove my ID in any way other than electronically, I'll normally move on to the next on the list to save the hassle unless the account or rate is particularly attractive in some way.

Unfortunately, it does often seem to be building societies that still have these ID requirements which isn't always convenient if you want to open an account quickly or without any hassle and there isn't a branch, locally.

Murmansk · 6 December 2023 at 7:32PM

I've cancelled my application for an ISA with Westbrom and gone for Principality instead.

Zaul22 · 6 December 2023 at 7:39PM

I was sceptical of them based on bad TrustPilot reviews but I tried them and it was fine. The account opened within a day as usual. Your issue is just random sampling I think. We had the same conversation about Coventry BS on here. Some people got asked for postal documents, most didn't.

Malchester · 7 December 2023 at 10:56AM

Opened a 60 day notice ISA with West Bromwich BS last week. All up and running instantly. Transferred an ISA in and everything completed inside 3 days. Very impressed.

Zaul22 · 9 December 2023 at 12:01PM

Does anyone know how to make a penaltied instant withdrawal? I can't find any option to physically do it.

BillTee · 14 January 2024 at 10:12AM

Trying to sort a WestBrom RS - received confirmation of EA saver opened online but it appears that you need to phone them to create a pin so you can register for online access . Seems odd to introduce this requirement as a standard requirement for online access - why not allow this to be done online as well? Having second thoughts about the RS if it's not going to be a truly online access.