Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 NO, IT'S OBVIOUSLY NOT . I'm just here for a rant. I followed MoneySavingExpert's advice and tried to open a Nationwide account online (Flex Account debit card is good abroad - no charges/fees). That was 2 weeks ago and I've heard nothing, so phoned them. I feel like I've been on hold for 3 days . I have a headache now . I did speak to 2 people but they had to transfer me - neither call got answered . I then tried phoning my local branch. They didn't answer either . Needless to say, Nationwide aren't getting my business now. What do you do about money abroad? The credit cards seem to be a big no-no because of their fees & charges. Should we just take loads of euros? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I tried to call a company last week and when I did eventually get through to someone, they said that they couldn't understand me. Liverpudlian isn't THAT bad! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Pardon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I usually just use my Switch card and take cash out as needed ... but that's easy on city breaks, not so easy when you're travelling around on your cycling holiday. I think you may have to take euros to cover the bits when you're not in big towns. A lot of places will let you just pay with a debit card now, though? However, you could try this website to see if you can find a direct route to Nationwide that avoids the 'on hold' problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janty Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Pardon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 DO NOT open an account with the nationwide - they are a bunch of eejits. They are physically incapable of understanding that three change of address forms, plus two branch visits 9the flaming branch is now a 50 mile journey away for us) means that we have changed our address. Bunch of muppets who over-charge, and under serve. a lucky escape for you, i think.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Did you try talking to them in branch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I went into my local Nationwide last week in order to open a savings thingy and GIVE them money. There was one cashier who was gossiping to a customer/friend and one person on the customer services desk who was talking on the phone, finished the phone call, and without saying anything to me dialled another call. They both totally ignored me for 5 minutes I walked out and gave my money to another company. I also think you had a lucky escape. My bank charges £1.50 every time you take money from a hole in the wall abroad, I always take out more than I need at the time and wear one of those light nylon money belts. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackiepoppies Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I have a Nationwjde account that I draw money on over here. On one occasion the charged me more than £20 extra to the normal exchange rate. This is an ongoing dispute and they don't advertise their exchange rates! Check with your bank...my HSBC doesn't charge for withdrawing cash abroad. You will be able to use a visa vitually anywhere. but don't withdraw cash at the supermarket machines...they charge. All the banks have excellent hole#in#walls with English options. Hope this helps! P.S. Have pm'd you re egg tally! Have a super holiday. Jackiex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 DO NOT open an account with the nationwide - they are a bunch of eejits. They are physically incapable of understanding that three change of address forms, plus two branch visits 9the flaming branch is now a 50 mile journey away for us) means that we have changed our address. Bunch of muppets who over-charge, and under serve. a lucky escape for you, i think.. Not keen then Chookie? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spratly0 Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 Am very surprised at all of these stories, i have had a Nationwide Flexaccount for nearly 20 years and i can honestly say that i have never had any problems what so ever. The staff are always friendly and efficient - and ive moved 7 times in that 20 years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 Oh help, I'm all confused now . I eventually did manage to get through to the branch and spoke to a very helpful woman. She checked the system and my name and details are on there but the application hasn't been processed - she couldn't tell why . She says if I go in tomorrow with ID she can process it and I MIGHT get the account by next Monday. It doesn't sound like you're impressed with them though. Maybe I should give it a miss altogether . I'm with Halifax/Bank of Scotland, one of the "evil banks" when spending abroad, according to MoneySavingExpert. That's why I considered opening a Nationwide account. I think I'll check the rates for BoS and Goldfish (our credit card) and go with the lesser of the two evils. Thanks for all your input . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I don't know if it's still the case, but the POst Office also used to be recommended by MSE for not making additional charges on purchases abroad. We use two credit cards abroad, one for purchases / hotel bills (Post Office), and one for withdrawing cash (Saga Visa - you're probably too young for that). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 14, 2008 Author Share Posted July 14, 2008 I've just called both my banks - they both charge a transaction fee and a currency conversion fee . I think I'll go ahead with the Nationwide (the girl in the branch was very friendly and helpful). If it gets here by the time we go away, well and good. If not, I don't plan to use the account anyway except for going abroad so will keep it just for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbaraJ Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 We have done exactly the same thing , opened an account in branch at nationwide for a flex account card to use abroad as we are going credit card free now. well only using hubbies AE which has to get paid off each month, but not sure who will accept AE. Anyway we had a great bloke in Nationwide and i have no complaints as also had a savings account there for 10yrs and kids all have accounts there too.I wouldn't let them open one in Nat West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I followed MoneySavingExpert's advice and tried to open a Nationwide account online (Flex Account debit card is good abroad - no charges/fees). ... Needless to say, Nationwide aren't getting my business now. Nationwide was overwhelmed with new business after the collapse of Northern Rock and, as they are still one of the last remaining building societies, they are probably still incredibly busy. I imagine that Bradford & Bingley members are transferring in droves. I opened an account by going to a Nationwide branch in person, and I waited for a long time (much longer than two weeks) after that before all the account information arrived. You might want to reconsider, because of reasons to do with why banks are in such a mess (making loans to each other backed by now worthless mortgages) and Nationwide isn't. With the banks, we have not seen the end of the collapses, going by what people are discussing on a US forum I read everyday. I was really impressed by the cheerful atmosphere in the Nationwide branch (compared to my bank, where there is an astonishing sense of impending doom) and by the technology designed to streamline procedures and replace paperwork (eg paying in). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hilda-and-evadne Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 DO NOT open an account with the nationwide - they are a bunch of eejits. ... a lucky escape for you, i think.. Wow - nothing like my experience, then. I can hardly wait to transfer everything over to Nationwide and say good-bye to my horrible, over-charging, never-responding bank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redhotchick Posted July 14, 2008 Share Posted July 14, 2008 I've had an account with Nationwide for years and years. I opened a flex account with them a couple of years back. I've never had any problems with them and I've used my card in ATMs in many countries without a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinsa Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 A friend of mine was getting a credit card from Abbey to take abroad, it may be called a zero card She's normally pretty good on money things so it could be worth a look as an alternative! I find with banks it's always best to deal with people in branch or the internet, phone calls have been the bane of my life Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share Posted July 15, 2008 Yes, I read about that one too! There was only one reason why the Nationwide was better - something to do with interest on the Abbey card I think . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 DO NOT open an account with the nationwide - they are a bunch of eejits. ... a lucky escape for you, i think.. Wow - nothing like my experience, then. I can hardly wait to transfer everything over to Nationwide and say good-bye to my horrible, over-charging, never-responding bank. Incidentally, the Nationwides charges are very much on a par with the Banks charges - we recently had a returned DD (the Nationwides fault, jot ours ), and were charged £30 for it, although we did complain and we got it back. We then checked with various other bakns to see how charges compaired, andd the were the same. Don't get me wrong - I've been with the Nationwide for nearly 20 years, and it's only recently that the customer service has started to suck. Up until about 2 years ago, we had everything with them - mortgage, savings, current account, insurance, visa the LOT, but then we had an unfortunate incident with a mortgage advisor, and things went slowly downhill from then on. The whole change of address thing is just the tip of the iceberg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 15, 2008 Author Share Posted July 15, 2008 I agree, there's nothing more annoying and frustrating than a bank which is incompetent or charges you for their mistakes . I'm not planning on using this account except when going abroad so hopefully I'll not have any of the problems you describe. I went into the branch this morning - 3 lovely, friendly women who couldn't have been nicer. However, the chances of getting this card by Tuesday are, I reckon, zero. Five working days, then posting time, plus pin number coming separately . I think we'll take lots of euros with us and try not to use our cards at all if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helen&Lee Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I think we'll take lots of euros with us and try not to use our cards at all if possible. We were in Rome in Feb and just took Euros. Staying in one place though, meant we could use the hotel safe. Rome is very bad for pick pockets and the advice is to wear those purse belts and to put handbags straps over your body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louise Posted July 15, 2008 Share Posted July 15, 2008 I have had an account with Nationwide since I was about 5 I think in fact it was an Anglia accoount at first Never had any problems but they are annoying when you move I had to go into a branch in order to change my address Fortunately there is one in Galashiels so I didn't have to trail up to Edinburgh I used to have a cheque clearing account with HBOS but had to move it (and report them to the ombudsman) after they sent my new Cashline card to the wrong address and then when the card was tried and swallowed by the machine they helpfully sent a new card to the same address this time with a new pin number just to be really helpful I think sometimes it is better the devil you know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted July 16, 2008 Share Posted July 16, 2008 We have our UK account with Nationwide....hubby researched it endlessly before we left to try to get the best deal given our circumstances. We still have a few direct debits going into fixed term savings schemes and didn't want to close them, also needed an account to keep our UK money until the time is right for us to bring it all over. Obviously we also needed easy access to our UK cash for withdrawals over here, we've had a few major expenses (2 cars and a few items of furniture ) that we couldn't afford out of hubby's salary so we needed to draw on UK funds. Nationwide have been great, internet banking lets us see what's going on easily and their exchange rate has been competitive . We're now looking at their offshore account, thinking of transferring to that next I guess we all have different experiences which will inevitably colour our opinions. I could for example start a huge rant about the Abbey who were dreadful when I had a recent problem.... but I know several people who are highly satified with them....so just my bad luck to have a poor experience . I'd certainly hesitate to recommend any bank (or service for that matter) simply on the basis that I've had a good (or bad) experience with them....there's always such a variation in people's experiences, expectations and needs. The banking industry does seem to be spectacularly inconsistent in it's perception of customer service Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
