Ulster Bank Easy Access Savings - I’m confused

eskbanker

allegro120 said:

Annie1612 said:

allegro120 said:

Annie1612 said:

Hi

Just wondered if anyone has opened the above account recently - I think it is featured on the main MSE site as being a one of the higher interest rates. I have gone through the process to the point of receiving my customer number and access code to register for Anytime banking, but to register you need an account number, which they haven’t told me - been through all the paperwork/emails etc but no account number. Also cannot find any phone numbers to speak to anyone. There is live chat, but nobody there today. 

Anyone else had this problem?

Thanks!

Did you try to register on app? I've registered online by using customer number and activation code (activation code was sent by text message).  This enabled me to login and see my account number. After that I downloaded the app on my phone without any complications.

Hi, yes I have sorted out the internet banking - it was a mix up of my own making. Are you being sent a card reader and do you know why? Or indeed, have a card to read?

No, this account doesn't have a card and card reader wouldn't be of any use.  

This account does (or can) have a card (albeit not a payment card) and card reader if you wish to use them, e.g. for higher value transactions:

5. Can I withdraw money?

Yes, you can withdraw or transfer to any other account based in the UK (up to the daily limits).

You'll need Anytime Internet Banking to withdraw or transfer money online. You can do this via the phone and app too. If you don't have a card with your account, we'll send you a card reader and an Anytime Internet Banking card and PIN to make payments securely.

Remember, you'll need to enable the card reader to make payments online.  Once you are set up, you can withdraw money however you like.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can also withdraw money in one of our branches.

https://www.ulsterbank.co.uk/savings/easy-access-account.html

Annie1612

I genuinely still do not understand why I need this card reader/card 😂 Surely I can just transfer money in and out like I can with any other savings account? I haven’t asked for a card reader but it seems they are sending one anyway. I guess all will become clear at some point. 

allegro120

Annie1612 said:

I genuinely still do not understand why I need this card reader/card 😂 Surely I can just transfer money in and out like I can with any other savings account? I haven’t asked for a card reader but it seems they are sending one anyway. I guess all will become clear at some point. 

I've made a number of small test withdrawals to different banks without any aid of card.  As much as I know the daily withdrawal limit is £20k.  May be if you want to withdraw a larger amount you need this card and card reader?  I didn't ask for the card and didn't have any communication from Ulster saying that they will send me one.  My account was opened on 24th November 2023.

AmityNeon

Annie1612 said:

I genuinely still do not understand why I need this card reader/card 😂 Surely I can just transfer money in and out like I can with any other savings account? I haven’t asked for a card reader but it seems they are sending one anyway. I guess all will become clear at some point.

It's an online banking security measure, should your phone be unavailable/insufficient for authentication.

janusdesign

Annie1612 said:

I genuinely still do not understand why I need this card reader/card 😂 Surely I can just transfer money in and out like I can with any other savings account? I haven’t asked for a card reader but it seems they are sending one anyway. I guess all will become clear at some point. 

I wouldn't worry about it - just tuck them away someway safe... consider them a "break glass in case of emergency" solution... they sent me a card and card reader... it's just what Natwest/RBS do by default - they sent a card reader when I opened a NatWest Current Account (granted it's of more use for that).

for day to day operations, you won't need them - transfers via online banking / app occur without them... as with other banks, they'll have to be approved by OTP codes... but if you've enabled biometrics in the app, you can use facial recognition for that approval.

Strong Customer Authentication | Ulster Bank

3 great reasons to set up biometric approval

1. Updates in your own time and space. You can change important details, including your address or phone number, whenever it suits you.
2. Safe and convenient payments. Set payment limits, pay someone for the first time or approve a payment from £1,000 to £20,000.
3. Park your card reader. You won't need to rely on your card reader, but hang on to it just in case.

if memory serves, the max default transfer limit is £5k in the app (not sure if same applies to online banking)... possibly £1k for new payees... but can be increased in the app to the previously mentioned £20k if biometrics is enabled.

PloughmansLunch

If you are going to be paying in cheques via Natwest/RBS (and don't have an Ulster current account), you'll need to request a Ulster paying-in book. I went into a local Natwest branch with a cheque in my hand, a spring in my step and my Ulster Anytime Banking card, and was pretty much told to clear off unless I had a pre-printed deposit slip.

35har1old

Annie1612 said:

Hi, thanks for the reply -  yes in England, and yes I have a sort code, customer number, activation code but no account number , which is essential. Didn’t realise I would need a current account to make withdrawals. My bad 😞 

Sorry I was going by a previous post who stated that he could not make a withdrawal to his First Direct account .Apparently that is not correct