Why is it so difficult to do anything online now!

maidenover2

OK so I put my hands up and admit to being an oldie. I'm not stupid however and I can find my way around most online accounts etc. However I'm on the point of giving up and all thanks to Nationwide BS. I just need 2 things and they are driving me nuts. I completed an online application to open a 1 year single access saver a/c which is paying 4% interest at the moment. It can be opened in joint names which is what I need. I am already an account holder with Nationwide so though it would be easy….silly me. My local branch sent me away and said do it online. I completed all the questions including my sons details. The next morning I received a text saying application cancelled but no reason given. I then spent a frustrating 20 minutes on hold and answering a robot with endless questions. Eventually getting to speak to a human who told me they need to see some ID for my son. It wasn't on the application I say. Sorry he said I'll feed that back but you have to go into the branch with some ID. I remind him the branch sent me away and told to apply online - do you want our money or not. Not it seems. My son works 12 - 14 hour days including Saturdays - how is he meant to present to a branch. Why can't we scan ID with application - sorry don't know.

SO………….. any recommendations for a decent, safe, well perfoming Bank or BS where I can open this simple savings account that is easy to contact with humans on the end of the phone please. Sorry for being so long winded 🙄

Oh nearly forgot - the 2nd thing is I have a rather large ISA to transfer. Nationwide only offering 3.8% so as they have just been a big old pain in the butt right now I'll go elsewhere - any recommendations please.

Woodstok2000

Any of the online only banks will be fully setup for online applications. First Direct are usually near the top of the customer service rankings.

Theres an ISA guide on the site here:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/savings/best-cash-isa/

mark_cycling00

Banks have to comply with very strict money laundering rules. They have to take this very seriously and are generally risk adverse and cover their backs.

You have terrorists, Russians, north Koreans and UK criminals trying to get very dodgy money into the UK banking system.

Applying for a joint account with a son is a bit unusual and maybe that has been a fraud scenario recently.

It's often much easier to use app-only banks who use software to scan your face, IDs and record your voice. But so many people hate doing this and think that the bank is going to store these photos for ever.

Older banks are very slow to adapt to new rules and it can be more frustrating to use them. The nationwide online banking website is shockingly bad.

There are lots of people on this site opening new bank accounts every few weeks without issue and never needing to speak to a human.

oldernonethewiser

Ignoring the misleading post headline one answer would definitely be First Direct for the chance to speak to real people who can help.

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81920787#Comment_81920787

The problem is that First Direct savings interest rates are consistently pretty poor.

The OP said ' Nationwide only offering 3.8% ', so I do not think they will be keen on the 2.75% on offer from First Direct. Plus you have to have a current account with them.