Nationwide Flex account

lesanne115

Beware....Nationwide Flex account is far from simply to open.
I completed an application online. My application didnt move forward for 2 months as they failed to send me update emails as promised or send out the necessary ID forms for completion.
I telephoned them on several occassions and held on for over 30 minutes just trying to get through. On one occassion the line went dead as apparently they were too busy to answer my call. I was promised the appropriate forms (Recorded delivery on one occassion). I am still waiting after nearly 2 weeks!
Also when I have emailed Nationwide, dispite their promise to reply within 5 days I have never received a reply.
A lucky escape if you ask me. If their customer service is this poor when trying to open an account, who can say what would happen with an up and running account with standing orders and direct debit ect.
I only wanted the account to use to withdraw cash abroad but after this experience I would rather pay my exising bank and pay the 1.5% charge:mad:

KTF

Why dont you go to your local branch and either take the required ID there or start a new application there instead. Should take no more then 10/15 minutes at the most.

Dick_here

I recently opened a Flex Account for the same reason as the OP. When I tried to register for online banking they refused on the basis that there was a discrepency with my address. They still have my previous one, despite them being the mortgage lender on our current property ! I refused on principle to fill out the form to 'update my address'.

KTF

The Mortgage and Banking arm are probably separate divisions so details are not cross checked.

moonrakerz

My wife had a bit of a saga opening hers.

She applied on line, then got a letter saying there was a "discrepancy" with her date of birth (she was an existing customer).
She rang head office, who didn't know what the letter was about, said they would call back - didn't.
After a few days rang them again, still no help, suggested we take ID to local office.
Local office called up wife's details on screen, d.o.b was correct - suggested we ring head office ! :mad:

We then decided to sit and think whether it was worth all the aggro to open the account - a few days later card/chequebook etc all arrived in the post. ??

No problems since then ..............

benjus

I get the impression Nationwide can be a bit of a shambles. Last year I changed address but didn't get around to notifying them immediately (I had a mail redirection so still received my statements). Then I lost my credit card, and had to cancel it. I explained the situation over the phone, and told them not to issue a new card until I had updated the address. I then wrote a signed letter to them telling them what I wanted them to do, but they replied saying that they had lost my signature of file so were unable to verify the signature on the letter. I then went into a branch, presented some ID and got the branch manager to fax head office. After a couple of weeks still no new card, so I had to chase it up again. Eventually it all got sorted out & they sent me £25 for the inconvenience.

I generally find the branch and call centre staff quite helpful, but some of their processes are a bit chaotic.

Opening the Flexaccount and credit card was actually very straightforward. We turned up at a branch about 5 minutes before closing on a Saturday asking to open an account. The manager initially said we'd have to come back on Monday as there wasn't time, but later relented and completed the form very quickly. We got the cards and account details delivered a few days later.

From my experience I would say the best way to get things done is to do it all in a branch, but ask the branch staff to contact head office themselves if there are any problems.

In general I'm very happy with Nationwide.

Dick_here

At least I've got one of their wonderful...ly irritating card readers of theirs. Who on earth thought that was a good idea eh ?

WageSlave_3

I had quite a few issues regards address changes and lost online access to all my accounts twice when mail was returned to them. They also stopped me being able to withdraw at the ATM. Eventually, wrote listing every single account and insisted they confirmed the address changes were made. Changing the mortgage address does not mean they change all account addresses.

However, I have to say I would far rather they took the line of "best defence" in looking after my money. Identity theft is a huge problem and if they have any alarm bell go off with my accounts, I'd rather have the inconvenience of getting them re-instated than the inconvenience of trying to recover, in my case, several thousand pounds of savings.

Regards the card reader, I think it is a brilliant idea. Now theives would need your card and the card reader as well as your online ID number, passphrase and full 6 digit number to transfer out of your account. It takes seconds to use, mildly inconvenient yes, but I'm pleased Nationwide have invested in this technology which is in my best interests as well as theirs.

keeperbear

WageSlave wrote: »

Regards the card reader, I think it is a brilliant idea. Now theives would need your card and the card reader as well as your online ID number, passphrase and full 6 digit number to transfer out of your account. It takes seconds to use, mildly inconvenient yes, but I'm pleased Nationwide have invested in this technology which is in my best interests as well as theirs.

The card reader is very annoying. Why do I need to use it every month to send a payment to the same account? Once, yes. Every month, no.

moneypooh

complete opposite here!
I decided to go for the debit card because of overseas cash.
I have an ISA with them and just completed the forms on line 2 days ago. Email next day confirming flex account (with debit card/cheques) approved and ID letter sent. Letter arrived today and completed, will send back today and see how long it takes.
It has been easy and straight forward......so far....;)

moonrakerz

keeperbear wrote: »

The card reader is very annoying. Why do I need to use it every month to send a payment to the same account? Once, yes. Every month, no.

Because every transaction is encrypted differently - if you did it once only it would be no different to the old system - and once someone had your "code" they could empty your bank account.
Much better system now !