Happy new year all. Thought id let u know of a recent fiasco with the good old RBS. Opened an account, a key account, just a basic with debit card and usual dd and so facilites. Did this about 4 weeks ago.

Account is opened, and ive paid out some direct debits etc set up on them. However, ive been delayed getting a debit card for cash withdrawals, for weeks.

Been into the branch 3 times, finally bank manager decides to look into matters himself. Then today, he rings me telling me he was onto head office (do they still have one ) and bcos i had an outstanding amount on my account previously ( older account now closed) the card request was blocked.

Even worse, he told me head office asked IF I CAN DO MY BANKING ELSEWHERE hahaha. This is unreal. The arrogance is astounding. I imagine the ``outstanding` amount relates to my previous bank charges which i refused to pay. Are anyone in our society going to get a grip of these crooks, or are they going to wreak havoc with their attitude and policy.

That sounds fairly standard, ie that a debt is outstanding and so therefore, until it is paid off then they do not want your business(was there an outstanding amount left??). They will formerly give you notice that they will be closing your account soon as well I would expect. Unfortunately, opening account can be subject to further additional checks which can mean an account being opened will be closed within a short period of time.

from what you're saying it looks like you're expecting them to allow you free reign on one account, whilst you owe them money on another.

If this is correct, why are you surprised? I'm not defending the bank here, just confused as to why you thought you'd get any other kind of response? Did you not realise that you would have a customer number to which all your applications would be linked and cross-checked and where issues are found, action is taken to prevent further losses.

Any company granting financial facilities would act the same way, check out BT or Scottish Power and you'll see what I mean.