First National Bank
Switching accounts - what a mission

I have been trying to open a FNB Personal Cheque account for my mom, but its like swimming through syrup. She has accounts at 3 of the other major banks, and have been trying to get her to switch to FNB, partly due to the continuous radio ads and partly due to the iPad specials.

She already has a business account, DiscoveryCard and Smart account with FNB, so didn't think it would be quite so difficult, but it is. FNB is forever promoting their online application process, but when I try to upgrade her Smart account (which I was told is best) I get a "not eligible for upgrade" error. She then called the help desk and was asked to go into the bank to sort it out. So much for applying online.

When in the branch she was asked for payslips, which she doesn't have as she is a property investor. She now needs a letter from her auditor verifying her salary, which is another process all together. It doesn't seem worth it anymore.

So in the end, even though she has 3 accounts with FNB (incl a business account), all with large balances and significant activity, she can't open a personal cheque account.

I guess she'll keep her other bank accounts and FNB will keep its iPad.

Thanks Steve!