Downgrading account?

[Merker]

Wondering if anyone knows about downgrading my bank account with Santander. They have been quite useless so far.

 

 

In the middle of last year I wanted to downgrade my account from a Current Account (with a visa debit card) to a Basic Account (with just a cash only card).

 

There is a logical and personal reason for this which I won't go into too much detail about.

 

Anyway. I went down to the Santander branch to ask, they said they could not discuss it with me as I did not have photographic ID.

 

I tried phoning them a few times but each time the line was busy and I was put on hold (Waited 30 mins each time before hanging up, I'm not running up my phone bill cost).

 

I used the online banking "secure messaging" system to contact them.

 

My first message was went in September... A few days later no reply.

 

I sent a second message... Had a reply 2 days after that saying they had passed my request onto the relevant department and will be in touch very shortly.

 

A month later and they had not got in touch with me, I sent another secure message and never heard anything back from them.

 

 

 

Can they actually do my request or have they ignored me because clueless staff have no idea if it can be done?

 

 

 

Another question was if this can be done, does anyone know if my account number will remain the same?

 

Also I get paid weekly. I cant remember If I get a bank transfer to my bank account number or if they send payment to my debit card.... Will my money still go in if I downgraded my account to a "cash only" account with a cash card, and they were still sending money to my debit card?

 

Thanks

[Klandestine]

I don't know for sure if it can be done. I would guess that it's likely that you can.

 

If the type of account is changed then your sort code and account number will remain the same.

 

You are paid using your sort code and account number (it goes into the account, not your card).

 

If you opened a new basic account then this would have a separate sort code and account number (it might actually be quicker to do this ).

 

Although I would try phoning again - I don't have to call often but I have never had to wait long.

If not then make a complaint and I'm sure they will get it sorted then.

[Merker]

Thanks very much CagBmn.

 

I think that seems like the option then (phoning them). I'm sure opening a new basic account would be quicker but the only problem then is I would have to change over about 7 direct debits and change the account my weekly wages go into.

 

Thats a relief that it would be paid into the account, just means it's 1 less thing when/if Santander play ball.

 

I dont understand their concept of "secure messaging". I always thought it was a system for people who don't have enough free time to go into the bank or wait on the phone to talk direct about account enquiries in their own time. However when Santander blatantly ignore the messages, it makes this form of contact useless.

 

As I remember, I used to have a "basic account", however Santander upgraded that to a Current account with a "Visa Electron" card, without even asking me... They just did it. Then a while later the card was upgraded to a "Visa Debit".... again without asking.

 

Anyway, thanks again for the reply, will try and get it sorted