Barclays cash ISA

Strappedfor_cash

Hi
I'm new to this. I tried to buy a cash ISA (07/08) at my local Barclays Bank branch. They told me at the desk that I couldnt have an application form without an appointment with one of their Advisors. So I said OK. Then the teller said But there isnt one available and they are all fully booked this week! So I called Barclays Bank number and asked to speak to the next most local branch. They would only accept voicemail so I left a message with telephone number. They didnt call back.
Although I dont have a current account with Barclays I have a cash ISA and a few shares with them. How do I proceed? Are they trying to tell me their cash isa is really only for their current account holders? Last year you could down load a form. Any advice would be welcome
Thank you
Tony

bristolleedsfan

Some people have posted in the ISA forum, stating that Barclays have told then that they are no longer accepting applications for 2007/08 tax year.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=18

robertjonesuk

bristolleedsfan wrote: »

Some people have posted in the ISA forum, stating that Barclays have told then that they are no longer accepting applications for 2007/08 tax year.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=18

isa's for this tax year are still available, but due to demand it is quite difficult to book an appointment. if you hold account with barclays you can do it online or telephone.
if you don't have any accounts with barclays, you must do it in the branch due to the fact that you must be set up on the system.

Strappedfor_cash

Thank you both for your replies.
The point is that unless you can get an appointment they are preventing an application being made. This appointment does not appear as a condition of their offer as far as I can see.
Tony

bristolleedsfan

robertjonesuk wrote: »

isa's for this tax year are still available, but due to demand it is quite difficult to book an appointment. if you hold account with barclays you can do it online or telephone.
if you don't have any accounts with barclays, you must do it in the branch due to the fact that you must be set up on the system.

Like I said it "HAS" been posted in the ISA forum that Barclays have been telling people that they are no longer accepting applications for 2007/08 tax year...

O/P stated that he doesnt have a Barclays current account.

I opened Tax Beater ISA in March 2007 without an appointment and i aquired an application form for Tax Haven ISA from a Branch.

While Barclays like appointments made they are not essential, what is essential is Barclays williness to open a ISA for this Tax Year which according to posters in the ISA section at the end of last week, they are no longer willing to accept applications for this Tax Year.

Here is the evidence to support my reply to the O/P :rolleyes:

27-03-2008, 8:02 PM #7 Crabman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gingababe
Ok, update. I have a dormatish barclays current account, but no online banking, so I went into my branch, with bank account details, id, national insurance number & I was told by two advisors that they couldn`t possibly open me account as I have run out of time.
Oh well, my fault for leaving it too late...

Thanks for all your help guys
Ginga

Officially you have 7 days remaining so don't assume it's too late - Barclays may have decided they don't want customers' money but other places may have better business/common sense - how about looking at the A&L Direct ISA paying 6.25% AER or the ICESAVE Easy Access ISA at 6.1% AER?



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ISA Guide | Top Cash ISA Article | Cash ISA Transfer Article
3 days left to open an ISA with this year's allowance

Pink_diamond_3

Hey! I just wanted to add that i opened a Barclays Tax haven ISA for 2007/2008 tax year today so they are still accepting applications. I havent previously had an account with them i just walked into the branch with my two forms of id and asked and within half and hour my application was done.

downshifted

Hi Pink Diamond. Just to let you know that filling in the form in the bank doesn't necessarily mean you will get your ISA.

My husband applied in person a couple of weeks ago, with all necessary docs etc. Soon after we got a letter saying they may take a while to deal with applications as there had been so many. Then the cheque was returned saying they had not got enough ID. The bank had been quite happy with it first time round. My husband went straight back down to the branch, with ID again - they had photocopied it all the first time and they did so again and sent off application all over again (pointing out the original date of application). The cheque has still not been cashed so today he went in again to query it - and they promised to "look into it". I'm not holding my breath - but I wish you good luck with yours :-)

Strappedfor_cash

Well not being one to give up, I secured an appointment with another branch and got my ISA. While I was there I asked what interest was now being paid on last years ISA. (It was opened in March 07 at 6.50% which included a 1% bonus for the first 12 months). I expected an answer of around 5%. No - the interest is now 4.26% a drop of 2.24%!
When I queried this the answer was "We rely on customers not checking the rates and on customers just leaving the money where it is". This from an employee. Of course we all know this is a standard ploy but it needs more publicity.
Tony

SavvyFan

Is there still time then to open an Barclays ISA for 07/08?

I thought I had read that the deadline was the 31st of March - but from this thread it seems that maybe that was an error -and that they are still accepting applications until the 5th - so there's still time?

bristolleedsfan

Strappedfor_cash wrote: »

While I was there I asked what interest was now being paid on last years ISA. (It was opened in March 07 at 6.50% which included a 1% bonus for the first 12 months). I expected an answer of around 5%. No - the interest is now 4.26% a drop of 2.24%!
When I queried this the answer was "We rely on customers not checking the rates and on customers just leaving the money where it is". This from an employee. Of course we all know this is a standard ploy but it needs more publicity.
Tony

http://www.personal.barclays.co.uk/BRC1/jsp/brccontrol?site=pfs&task=homefreegroup&value=12328&target=_self

[SIZE=+1]Tax Beater Cash ISA[/SIZE]

This account is no longer available to new customers.
Current interest rate
Monthly interest (effective from 03/03/08)

Balance
Tax-free rate pa%
AER%
£1+
6.31
6.50

These rates include an introductory bonus of 1% gross. The bonus will be paid for 12 months from the date you open your account with a minimum of £1, after which time the rates will reduce accordingly. We may withdraw the bonus offer at any time without notice. Rates are variable. This is a cash ISA. Transfers from other ISAs are not permitted.
Previous interest rates
Monthly interest (effective from 02/01/08-02/03/08)

Balance
Tax-free rate pa%
AER%
£1+
6.56
6.76

These rates include an introductory bonus of 1% gross. The bonus will be paid for 12 months from the date you open your account with a minimum of £1, after which time the rates will reduce accordingly. We may withdraw the bonus offer at any time without notice. Rates are variable. This is a cash ISA. Transfers from other ISAs are not permitted.

Read important information about our interest rates.

stokesy01

i went to my Barclays today and they have booked me an appointment for Friday. The chap on the desk phoned the manager who said they can still take applications until 2pm on Saturday. I asked is that ok then if my cheque doesn't clear until after the tax year fininshes? apparently it is. I am not sure that is right?

if i Miss the deadline i do. my fault i guess for not sorting it out earlier. but then you do expect it to be a fairly simple process don't you? I asked why i had to see an advisor. i said i don't want any other products and not being rude, but how difficult is it for me to fill the form in myself. apparently it is because you ahve to receive the advice about opening an ISA from someone qualified. what poppycock!! I can hear it now, 'now my dear, are you of sound enough mind to hand over cheque for £3000? Do you understand you are putting your money in a savings account that the taxman can't get his mitts on?'. Doh!!!!