A perennial retail problem.
Go into a branch/store to complete an online transaction - no commission for the employee who helps you / doesn't count towards their target.
On the other hand, if they get you to start from scratch it benefits them and/or their branch.
Sadly the offer doesn't work for me. Between the HSBC Premier benefits I use and the mortgage rate I have, I will sit tight for the moment.
Originally Posted by
bakera
Don't do it!
About 7 years ago I successfully applied for a Barclays Premier account online. Everything looked fine, but I was asked to take my ID into a branch for verification. I went to my local branch and straight to the dedicated Premier counter expecting that this would be a routine in and out procedure. Instead I was told that I would need to speak with someone from their account opening team and would I mind taking a seat until somoeone was available. 20 minutes later I was led upstairs and into an office. I handed over my passport to the employee and she locked it in the desk drawer. I asked that was wrong and she told me that I would need to create a new application with her and she started to complete some paper forms. I advised her that I did not have time to do this and that I had already answered all the questions online, but she insisted. I told her to forget the the whole thing and asked for my passport back - to which she refused. Itr wasn't until I suggested calling the police that she finally gave me my passport back.
A formal complaint to customer services followed - to which they paid £100 and a case of wine in compensation.
I'm now with HSBC Premier.