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Sammy: Hi, you're chatting with Sammy. May I take your name please?
DAVID: David Field
Sammy: Hello David, how can I help you today?
DAVID: I spoke to an advisor on this web chat yesterday in regards to a bank transfer. The website tells me that I need a card reader in order to make a transfer. I have one already, but it is not linked to my Natwest account, as it is an RBS card reader. The advisor informed me that 24 hours after ordering a card reader online I would be able to use the RBS card reader. I asked if she could confirm that this was definitely the case, as it would be on a Sunday, and the advisor told me that I would definitely be able to. 25 hours have passed and I am still being prompted to order a card reader.
Sammy: Sorry it does take 48 hours not 24 I do apologise.
DAVID: 48 hours.
Sammy: That is correct David.
DAVID: So, despite me asking for definite confirmation, I was lied to.
DAVID: I needed this transfer to be made by 23:59 tonight.
Sammy: I am going to put this forward as feedback I am very sorry about this David?
DAVID: What exactly will be done?
Sammy: I will put this forward in my huddle to discuss on how this was given incorrectly and make sure it does not happed again.
Sammy: Happen*
DAVID: Well, to be honest, that doesn't really help my situation, does it? Unless you've got a time machine in order to do so retroactively, I've still been severely misinformed, in turn causing me great inconvenience and wasting my time.
DAVID: Any reason as to why I would be told 24 hours as opposed to 48 hours?
Sammy: I can give you the link to our complaints department if you like?
DAVID: No, not really, that doesn't qualify as good customer service. Customer service is supposed to lead to solutions for the customer, not result in a scolding for an employee. I've got absolutely no interest in ruining someone's day, what I want is a solution that is beneficial to myself.
Sammy: I am very sorry you feel this way if I could log a complaint I would do but I do not have this facility.
DAVID: I don't want to make a complaint, I'm not some grouchy old man looking to complain about anything due to how little joy I have in my life, I want a solution for my situation.
DAVID: What exact point in the process is it that activates the ability to make a bank transfer online?
Sammy: When you order a card reader it tricks the system into thinking the one that has been ordered is the one that you have but it does take 48 hours.
DAVID: Exactly 48 hours, no more, no less?
Sammy: That is correct David.
DAVID: So then that means it's automated.
Sammy: That is correct the system triggers then you can use this.
DAVID: If it's automated, then that means that there is a way of doing so manually.
Sammy: There is no way of doing this If I had that option I would of done this for you.
DAVID: would have*
Sammy: Sorry about this David.
DAVID: I'm aware that, as a customer service agent, you would personally have no way of doing so. I'd like to know who COULD do it.
Sammy: Nobody can do this David it is the system that triggers this.
DAVID: The system is maintained by people, I know this. There is no computer that can self-sustain a database, this is why people still have jobs.
DAVID: And besides, when something needs changing, a person has to manually alter it on said database.
DAVID: So therefore, someone can definitely do it.
Sammy: Ok I understand where you are coming from, however when this system was manually set up they programmed this to be 48 hours. This unfortunately cannot be changed
DAVID: So what you're telling me is that, even though you are a customer service agent, you are not going to do a single thing to help remedy this situation, instead you are going to point your finger at an FAQ answer.
Sammy: I can help you raise this as a complaint and I feel that is the best way forward David.
DAVID: Is there not a single person you know in your department who has a slightly more intimate level of knowledge of other departments and the way the company works?
DAVID: No, it's not the best way forward, because making a formal complaint benefits me in no way. I'd like Natwest to live up to their end of the bargain. I was promised great customer service when I opened my accounts, and so far I've been "misinformed" and received unhelpful answers.
Sammy: I have told you the best way forward David would you like the link?
Sammy: I apologise but you can remedy this by logging a complaint and we can investigate this for you.
DAVID: As I said, it is not the best way forward, as it is not the solution to my problem, it's just an easy way for you to leave the conversation.
DAVID: It's not the remedy at all, I am unable to visit my local branch for the next two days. I need this money in the desired account by 15:00 tomorrow.
Sammy: I do not want to leave this conversation you seem like a nice customer who is frustrated on how the system works so I want to do my best to help you.
DAVID: Okay, so if I wanted to change information on my account, how would I go about this?
Sammy: What information are you looking to change?
DAVID: Any. I'm asking about the process. Is there a different route for each aspect of the account, or is it all compiled onto one datapacket?
Sammy: You can change personal details by visiting your local branch in the meantime and if you are looking to change pin or password you can re-register.
DAVID: Okay, and when it comes to the card reader, does that have it's own database which my account is then added to, or does my account get "greenlit" (as in, is there a field which switches from "Does not have card reader" to "Has card reader")?
Sammy: When you order one it will tell us when this is ordered however there is no green light for when this is ready to use, this is always 48 hours after the card reader has been ordered.
DAVID: Yes, I understand that, but is this information stored on a universal database, or one that is designed specifically for card readers?
Sammy: I do not want to comment on this as I did not setup the system.
DAVID: Does this mean you don't know?
Sammy: I cannot discuss how our system was made as this is confidential.
Sammy: Is there anything else I can help you with today?
DAVID: Okay, well if you can't disclose that information, then I will tell you that there will either be a simple point and click option to "activate" my ability to use the card reader, or within the code, there will be a section that reads something along the lines of "card_reader//id=false", and all that's needed is that "false" (or it could be "00") be re-written as "true" or "01". So, who within the Natwest group has access to this?
Sammy: Nobody can change this David if this was the case I would have done this for you already. I do apologise even our technical team cannot change this.
DAVID: It can be changed, I know that. If they're not allowed to, that's a different matter, but I do know for a fact that it can be changed. I'd like to know though, why is the system designed like this? It seems highly inconvenient for customers, and doesn't exactly scream "we'll do what we can to help".
Sammy: This cannot be changed.
DAVID: Okay, please don't tell me this, I design databases and build programs for a living, I know for a fact this can be changed. Anyone with the know how (ie the person/people who have designed the system or program in use) can change anything within it.
DAVID: This is besides the point though.
DAVID: Are you actually willing to do something to help this situation, or is your final "solution" simply making a complaint?
Sammy: It does seem you feel strongly about this David I think making a complaint would be the best way forward shall I send you the link?
Sammy: That is the solution David.
DAVID: First I'd like you to walk me through the process (and no, it's not a solution, because it offers me no help whatsoever, it only offer the bank themselves help in terms of improving customer service), as I'd like to know whether it's actually worth my time.
DAVID: offers*
Sammy: This is worth your time David.
DAVID: Okay, so besides a reminder that the activation time for card readers is 48 hours and not 24 hours in your pre-work pep talks, what will actually be done?
DAVID: Will the bank make a change to the process so that it doesn't take so long to make a simple bank transfer, will I actually receive a detailed (not automated) reply regarding the situation, or will it just be swept under the carpet?
Sammy: This is not a pre-work pep talk this will be at our very important daily huddle and I will put this forward there, and I will be honest with you David I do not think this will be changed.
DAVID: I've worked in a bank before, I know that they're brief 5-15 minute meetings with short reminders and pep talks.
DAVID: I'm more interested in pushing this issue so that it IS changed.
Sammy: This can be pushed David raise this complaint.
DAVID: I want to feel like a valued customer, sweeping this under the carpet, when it's clearly something that will crop up with many others, simply doesn't.
DAVID: I want to raise the complaint BEYOND the automated service on the website.
Sammy: Please accept my sincere apologies I can speak to our technical team for you.
DAVID: The technical team are probably the best people I can raise the issue with. Instead of making a complaint, I'd like to contact them so that I can push this further as opposed to it being bundled in with the high volume of generic moan letters in the complaints department.
Sammy: I do apologise it is a staff line but I will put this forward for you.
DAVID: Will I receive a reply that explains what has been done?
Sammy: If you raise this as a complaint then yes David.
DAVID: Okay then, I'm sure you're bored of me by now, and I my head's sore from the amount of times I've banged it against the proverbial brick wall, I'll just raise the complaint.
Sammy: Shall I give you the link?
DAVID: In fact, I'll tell you what, doing it within the company's probably a bad idea, I'll just post the conversation on the Facebook page, that'll get a little more attention.
DAVID: Ah, clever, Natwest doesn't allow it. Nice way to avoid bad PR from disgruntled customers.
Sammy: I am sorry about this David shall I send you the link?
DAVID: Nah, it's fine. I'll find a better way. Thanks anyway. Sorry to have kept you for so long, take care n have a gudden.
Sammy: Well it has been a delight David like I said if you change your mind come back through to us and we will be more than happy to raise this for you I hope this has not ruined your night, thank your for chatting with me today David/
Sammy: David.*
Sammy: Thank you for chatting with me. Have a fantastic day.
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