Applying to Barclays for bank switch - need an in branch appointment?

designeditdesignedit

Ive downloaded the Barclays app to apply for an account and the switch. But when I got to the ID page it said that the ID would be needed before  I go to the appointment with them.
Ive never had to do that before - switched with TSB, co op, nationwide and first direct..no appointments needed.
Is this a regular thing with them? I wonder if other banks will follow suit to keep track of frequent switchers.

Boing2

I also had the same experience. Tried 3 times. I then rang the number from the app and was taken through to a horrendous automated machine. After a couple of minutes of selecting options etc I gave up. Although I was tempted by the switch offer, it made me realise how easy the challenger banks are to deal with rather than the dinosaurs such as Barclays. I have abandoned my switch and will stick with the challenger bank I'm with. This took minutes to set up through the app, never have any issues with it and can always get prompt responses. The polar opposite of my first experience with Barclays.

designeditdesignedit

yep, think i will be abandoning that particular switch

Hooli

I too had difficulty despite call centre staff doing her best. Barclays cannot offer me any other way of confirming my ID other than to make me an appointment in a branch in a town centre over 10 miles away which will take 4 bus journeys.  There are 2 hubs within spitting distance but neither offer the service 'Verifying ID'.  

So, for me to make all that effort, it's just not worth it.  Barclays, you've lost out on another customer.  Lloyds, here I come 😁

Rob5342

Boing2 said:

Although I was tempted by the switch offer, it made me realise how easy the challenger banks are to deal with rather than the dinosaurs such as Barclays.

It's amazing how far behind the times the old fashioned banks are, wanting you to go to a branch to verify ID is like Netflix posting VHS cassettes to people. 

Bendo

It's a bit daft isn't it, close most branches but insist people visit a branch for mundane things. No thanks.

trickydicky14

So is this appointment thing being applied to all or is it those who can't get stuff verified online?