Barclays Tax Haven ISA: Have you opened one?

skooby_2

Lokolo wrote: »

That if there weren't as many people applying then there wouldn't be as long delays. I am not saying that moneysavers are to blame, but are in fact a contribution to the delay. Especially when they pile the ISA offices with phone calls when the employees could be doing other things, such as setting up our ISAs

BTW, the ISA helpline does not deal with applications. It only answers phone calls. That's why we are not receiving specific details/progress updates for individual applications. I doubt therefore that our phone calls are contributing to the delay.

Lokolo

skooby wrote: »

BTW, the ISA helpline does not deal with applications. It only answers phone calls. That's why we are not receiving specific details/progress updates for individual applications. I doubt therefore that our phone calls are contributing to the delay.

What do they do when not answering phone calls? Just sit there?

I shouldn't suspect all those answering phone calls are completely doing the accounts but I can't help but think they may contribute when not anwering phone calls.

skooby_2

Lokolo wrote: »

What do they do when not answering phone calls? Just sit there?

I shouldn't suspect all those answering phone calls are completely doing the accounts but I can't help but think they may contribute when not anwering phone calls.

It's a call centre Lokolo. That's what they do all day. When you ring them they cannot give you any details about your application because they do not deal with them and if there is no note on Barclays IT system, they cannot say any more than: "your account will be open between 5 to 10 working days from now".

nonix

Those at the top at Barclays seem to advertise a product that they are unable to deal with for the 2nd year running. We had problems last year with their tax beater ISA. When we tried to arrange appt in local branch to open a tax haven ISA it took a long time to sort and when we arrived for our appointment (12/04/08) we were told that someone had cancelled it!!! That said we finally were seen and promised that it would not be such a fiasco this year as they had taken on more staff and improved the system. We left cheques with our applications. We received a letter (separate for partner and myself) on 23 & 24 April both dated 17/04 which stated that "due to high demand it might take longer etc etc. Our cheques have not been encashed to date (01/05/08) and we have not had any further communication from them. Hey ho and away we go again! Maybe it means they can justify only paying the reduced interest.
NOT HAPPY BUNNIES - FOOL US ONCE MORE FOOL US, FOOL US TWICE MORE FOOL YOU.

patrickbateman

I "opened" my account in branch on the 212st April, so a relatively late started. Took a cheque and it has still not been cashed. However this is earning a pittance in my current account, but I daren't remove it for fear of charges when Barclays finally open my account.

Wonder how many people will never see the 6.5%because of the delay in opening. Personally I think this is a shambolic operation by a large organisation and wish I had "invested" with a small building society instead even at a lower rate, as the whole experience is much swifter, personnal and pleasant.

Crabman

Hi Patrick - MSE Dan said (in the first post) that Barclays will be backdating interest so you shouldn't lose out as a result of the delay.

Sharpe

Opened the account a week before the 6th and it's only just open - I know this because it is showing on my online banking but I have not received a welcome pack. The interest was not back dated so I only received 20p!!! Bloody joke.

kentman44

barclays isa applied for my 08/09 isa on 4th april and wrote cheque for £3600 which still remains in my account wonder if i will loose a months interest or more hen it is finely opened

BankofDad_2

I was told I couldn't apply online as the funds were not held in a Barclays account, and that I had to visit a branch no earlier than the 6th April. I actually went to my local branch on 5th April and completed the forms and left my cheque.

I rang them this morning to find out what had happened to my ISA, and they said that they had sent a "declaration" to me for signing on 8th April; I received no such letter, and I cannot see why I need to sign anything after applying in person. I think this may be a story to allow them more time to process applications...

But what really annoys me is that they said all applications take 14 days to process, and the interest would start from 14 days after the original from was signed. I am furious that they, unlike any other bank, have decided not to back date my application to 6th April. Ironically, I decided not to go with my Alliance & Leicester ISA (6.25%) which would have been instantaneous as my current a/c is with A & L!

OnlyJ9

Applied for ISA last tax year. Told will take about 15 days. Didn't hear a thing for over a month so contacted them. Turns out they'd sent all new account details to an incorrect address. Two weeks have now passed and still not got it sorted out, just an acknowledgement of the complaint. Hope the funds are safe!!