Ulster bank - absolutely impossible to open and access an account. Don't bother

coppo233

Like others I was attracted by the promise of 5.2% savings. 
I have now wasted several hours over several days attempting to open and access an account with them.

Twice I have got as far as getting a letter saying congratulations you have an account. I cannot get at that account by any browser or app based method.

The terminology varies between letters, texts, emails and the android app - a pin number is referenced as an access code in another document - huh? There is no form of customer support and I have totally failed to open and an account AND get access to it.(And I am an IT consultant!!)

On the last attempt - starting from scratch - I try and register in the app. I get as far as the dialogue where it sends me a text message number that expires in 20 minutes. To get at the number to read it involves opening the text viewer. When you go back to the ulster app - it has reverted to its opening dialogue. It seems impossible to use the same smartphone for the app and receiving the text message - which of course is nonsense. If you go through that again it will then tell you the information is invalid and you need to reset. You can go round this loop ad nauseum without getting any further.

If they are like when you are attempting to become a customer what must they be like if they have your money and something goes wrong? Not worth thinking about - I give up at this point as I wouldn't trust them with my money..

jameseonline

Well many people have accounts with Ulster so it can't be impossible can it, also NatWest own it along with RBS so your money is in good hands.

Yes people have had and have issues with Ulster but there's no need to be so dramatic with thread titles, descriptions etc.

I myself had issues getting a current account but all got sorted in the end and they paid me money for switching to them.

masonic

Isn't the rate going down soon anyway?

I can't say I had any problems when I opened an Ulster current account for a switching incentive, although it was a slow process.

jameseonline

masonic said:

Isn't the rate going down soon anyway?

I can't say I had any problems when I opened an Ulster current account for a switching incentive, although it was a slow process.

Not until 14th October https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/savings-accounts-best-interest/

Bridlington1

For what it's worth I found the Ulster current account opening to be slow but not too difficult (just with long gaps between them doing things).

Once I had the current account open and the app registered I was able to open the Loyalty Saver in the app within a minute and the account was fully functioning the next day. The account has run without issues since then.

masonic said:

Isn't the rate going down soon anyway?

I can't say I had any problems when I opened an Ulster current account for a switching incentive, although it was a slow process.

It is on 14/10/24 it will pay 4.75% on balances of £5k+.

That being said if EA rates continue to fall by October 4.75% could well end up being a competitive rate by then anyway.

I'll be holding onto mine, though admittedly it has been sat at nil for a while due to regular savers reducing my non-ISA EA account balances to nil (if you exclude the Santander Edge Saver and accounts with a minimum balance).

allegro120

masonic said:

Isn't the rate going down soon anyway?

I can't say I had any problems when I opened an Ulster current account for a switching incentive, although it was a slow process.

I can't recall any drama opening it either.

The rate will stay for another 2 months, which is a long time considering the current trend.  I'm planning to keep this account after 14th October, either with £5k or £0 depending on what what's on the market at that time.  Interest is paid on 2nd January. 

35har1old

coppo233 said:

Like others I was attracted by the promise of 5.2% savings. 
I have now wasted several hours over several days attempting to open and access an account with them.

Twice I have got as far as getting a letter saying congratulations you have an account. I cannot get at that account by any browser or app based method.

The terminology varies between letters, texts, emails and the android app - a pin number is referenced as an access code in another document - huh? There is no form of customer support and I have totally failed to open and an account AND get access to it.(And I am an IT consultant!!)

On the last attempt - starting from scratch - I try and register in the app. I get as far as the dialogue where it sends me a text message number that expires in 20 minutes. To get at the number to read it involves opening the text viewer. When you go back to the ulster app - it has reverted to its opening dialogue. It seems impossible to use the same smartphone for the app and receiving the text message - which of course is nonsense. If you go through that again it will then tell you the information is invalid and you need to reset. You can go round this loop ad nauseum without getting any further.

If they are like when you are attempting to become a customer what must they be like if they have your money and something goes wrong? Not worth thinking about - I give up at this point as I wouldn't trust them with my money..

The problem must be with your phone should be able to view pin without leaving the app
Cutomer support the wait times are pretty good compared to others
Transfers are instant

Nearlyold

I opened the savings one in February (before there was a requirement to open /hold a current account with them) and it was straight forward enough though fairly longwinded. How are you navigating to the phone/text app from the Ulster page?