Insanity in Dealing with Westpac

LOzBurger on 18/09/2019 - 13:59

I signed up for a Westpac choice account, expecting to simply fulfil the requirements, collect the $50 bonus and then close the account.

Put in my drivers licence and medicare for online verification (which I did with St George only a fortnight before) and was told that I need to go into a branch to verify the details.

Well flip that! I work mon-fri and I'm not driving to a bank on my lunch break to do something that I should be able to do online.
How about on a Saturday? A big nope to that as well, I'm busy with sports with my kids and I'm not going to spend that valuable time queuing up in a bank to do something I should be able to do online.

Today I call up Westpac to explain the situation to a confused but polite lady in the O/S call centre.
As there is a hold on my account, I need to go into the branch to close it.

WTF? So, I've explained why I'm not going into the branch and to just close the account, now the only way to close it is to do exactly what I don't want to do?
Why not just leave it? Well there is the $5 a month account keeping fee, because I'm not depositing $2000 into an account I can't access. So I advised that this fee is going to be charged, interest accrued and charged again. Then eventually it will go to debt collectors and I'll take it to the newspapers.

Part of me is tempted to say flip this, ask to leave work early and go into the branch to just close the account. Part of me wants to watch the world burn.

OzBargain, what do?

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Comments

    • cheng2008 on 18/09/2019 - 19:24
      +1

      I'm sure ACA will be desperate to get that scoop.

  • PissLUR on 18/09/2019 - 15:43
    +1

    i am pretty sure some of their branches are open on Saturday morning.

    • Repi on 19/09/2019 - 22:06

      Some are open on Saturdays, not all Transactions can be done on Saturdays. I have been with them for ages, no better and no worse than any other Bank. I probably don't qualify as a true OzBargainer, because opening and closing an account for 50 bucks is to much hassle for me unless I am planning to use it

    • dcash on 20/09/2019 - 22:38

      They are. However, as OP has already stated, he can't be bothered.

  • Davo1111 on 18/09/2019 - 16:00
    +10

    Your sole intention is to do something shady. It doesnt suprise me that westpac also thinks you're shady

    • smartazz104 on 19/09/2019 - 07:25
      +1

      Well if anyone should know, it's the banks…

    • ribbonsofnight on 20/09/2019 - 13:13

      shady? It doesn't seem shady to me.

  • phocus on 18/09/2019 - 17:08
    +2

    adding to this Westpac only allow 6 character length passwords

    If we are talking about behind times banks, I would like to add BOQ to this list

    • whooah1979 on 18/09/2019 - 18:10
      +1

      6 characters are 300m combinations.

      • phocus on 18/09/2019 - 19:09
        +2

        But why limit it to such a short combination at all

        • whooah1979 on 18/09/2019 - 20:26

          Easier to remember.

        • Zarlia on 18/09/2019 - 21:41

          Probably so you dont use the same password you use for everything else, as everything else is usually 8 min. I see where your coming from though

    • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:06

      boq is lmost criminal.

  • vikvance on 18/09/2019 - 17:16
    +4

    You can't escape doing an ID check to open a bank account. It's a legal requirement.

    The online ID check is a shortcut to the actual requirement of checking 100 points of ID. If the shortcut doesn't work for whatever reason then the full check needs to be done.

    If you can't go to a Westpac branch, then you can try asking them for alternate methods.

    For example, some banks will allow you to do the the ID check at a post office. For this, the bank will send you a form and you go with the form and your ID to a post office, where the person at the counter will check your ID and counter-sign and send the form to the bank.

    Regardless, you will have to go somewhere to get your ID checked.

  • Fysh on 18/09/2019 - 17:28
    +2

    I am the same they asked for verification and I haven't been in. How can they charge if they are refusing to open the account.

  • scanuck on 18/09/2019 - 17:50

    I’m the same - never got the card, missed the time frame for the free $50…

    Oh well

  • chumlee on 18/09/2019 - 18:25
    +2

    As my kids school says:

    "Don't cry, give it a try"

  • Rohangiga on 18/09/2019 - 18:28
    +14

    Lmao grow up OP

    • tomleonhart on 19/09/2019 - 13:42

      he's too bz working 9-5.

  • profar on 18/09/2019 - 19:01
    -1

    WD OP you might graduate Kinder and get $50 .

    Suggest you join the Pensioner Club and watch out for the $2 perks on OZB :)

    • RetroMetro on 18/09/2019 - 19:13
      +1

      whats with you and the $2 pensioner club XD

  • Seedy seed on 18/09/2019 - 19:11
    +2

    Wow your entitled…

    • Dreamcast on 19/09/2019 - 20:02
      +3

      You're** Sorry, can't resist 😬

      • Seedy seed on 19/09/2019 - 20:05
        +3

        Who can't resist? Oh you mean I can't resist. Rofl

  • raptormesh on 18/09/2019 - 19:28
    +15

    I just don't get whining about jumping through hoops to get free stuff.

  • kaleidoscope on 18/09/2019 - 20:33
    +8

    May be next time, consider your hourly rate and take into account the time you’d spend running back and forth… These kind of offers are meant for legit customers giving them an incentive for becoming a customer.

    • frostman on 19/09/2019 - 08:15

      this Why is this comment underrated

      • resisting the urge on 19/09/2019 - 15:49
        +1

        Hourly rates are immaterial on OzB. Spending time to make cents is almost a rite of passage around here

        • frostman on 20/09/2019 - 08:07

          Don't confuse stingy with thrifty

  • T-man on 18/09/2019 - 21:03
    +1

    I feel like the banks will always want us to go to the branch to do something, they try to create jobs for the staffs at branches. Otherwise, they are just going around and nothing do.

    Also, they always want to talk about home loans and try to make an appointment with their home loan specialist.

    In my case, the bank (ANZ) asked me to go to the branch to verify my ID just because I can’t answer one single security question. I told the agent if I could answer again, was told a firm NO. Went to the branch, got my ID verified and closed the account in the same branch, same day.

    • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:07
      +1

      closed the account

      U are my hero.

  • bloom on 18/09/2019 - 21:12
    +4

    This deserves it's own royal commission,
    You start the petition
    I'll start lobbying scomo!

  • Kranbone on 18/09/2019 - 21:16
    +1

    Banks should be open on Sundays. Some of us work 2 jobs. Some even work 1 job and put in insane hours.

    It's not the banks fault, but a bank which offers more convenience and caters better to it's customers would be good.

    • vikvance on 18/09/2019 - 22:18

      Some branches are actually open on Sundays, e.g. Westpac at Parramatta Westfield is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays.

      • kerfuffle on 19/09/2019 - 06:51

        What Westpac at Westfield Parramatta? There isn’t one there. There’s two branches along Church Street though …

        • vikvance on 19/09/2019 - 12:03

          My bad. Checked the map on a phone & didn't look closely enough. It was an ATM, not a branch. Lol.

          I know that the CBA branch at Parra Westfield is open on Sunday. Don't know about Westpac branches.

  • johnno07 on 18/09/2019 - 21:35
    +6

    Surely you must see you're being unreasonable for complaining about this?

    • Croshema on 20/09/2019 - 08:47

      Makes me wonder if i’m a too agreeable pushover.

      I could never imagine responding like this, caught out trying to be too clever.

  • pegasusx on 18/09/2019 - 22:12
    +3

    I happen to have a Westpac CCard and opening the account was a breeze. Got the $50 and closed it via Webchat after verification. No issues.
    Its not that hard to take off 20mins and visit a branch.

  • ozb10 on 18/09/2019 - 22:54
    +4

    My suggestion is to avoid Westpac/St George, absolute time waster.

    I once opened a Choice account with Westpac, account has been used with some transfers (just small $2000 odd transfers to avoid fees), about a month after opening got a letter requesting me to verify my ID at a branch, which I did on a Saturday morning. Few weeks later, got a similar letter again saying if I don't the account will be closed, so went to the same branch again, this time I noted the time and staff name and confirmed with staff it should be done. And guess what, a week after they then closed my account. I emailed them the details of my visit, and they still refused to reopen that account, so eventually, they opened another new account for me, which I had to go to verify my ID for that as well. Absolute joke, not using Westpac anymore.

    My friend (a State public servant with permanent job) once applied for a St George Credit card, was approved online and she got a call from the branch manager to collect her credit card as it has been approved and sent to the branch, so she took the morning off as they only open Mon-Fri, guess what, after copying her ID details, the staff/manager then told her they could not give her the credit card and refused to provide a reason. She called the compliant area and was still not given any answer. Why the f did they ask her to visit the branch for ID check if they are not going to give her the credit card? They would have all the ID details on the application anyway. She subsequently applied for credit card with Commonwealth Bank with similar credit limit and was approved with no problem.

    To OP, I would suggest you just send an email to the Westpac staff/manager/complaint area, explaining your situation and request the account be closed. If they refused and started charging fees, I would then question how they are entitled to charge and chase YOU for the fee if they can't verify that YOU opened the account according to their system. Surely if they allow you to open an account online and charge you fees, they should offer similar option to close it. This is one of the reasons why credit card companies now have to offer option for online cancellation.

    • frostman on 19/09/2019 - 08:14

      To OP, I would suggest you just send an email to the Westpac staff/manager/complaint area, explaining your situation and request the account be closed.

      Here's an excerpt from the T&Cs

      To receive up to AUD$50 credited to an everyday account, customers must open a Westpac Choice account online (or in an Australian Westpac branch for Youth, Student and Migrant Choice accounts) between 10/7/19 and 09/10/2019 (inclusive) and must deposit $500 or more and make at least five (5) eligible purchases using their debit card within 30 days of account opening (‘eligible customer’). Offer excludes ATM withdrawals. Eligible customers will receive $50 deposited into their account within 45 days of account opening following successful identification verification. The account must remain open during this period in order to be eligible for the offer.

    • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:14
      -2

      Perhaps she had defaulted on a debt or shitty re-payments with the Westpac group or one of its providers before? and only when doing the check did that come up.
      It was nice they didn't hit her with a credit check BEFORE.

  • WaterMark on 19/09/2019 - 06:46
    +1

    I’m 100% confident it is due to identity fraud. Say for example someone stole you wallet along with your ID. That person could potentially open accounts online, get free cashbacks or money even do money laundering. I say yes it is a hassle, but it’s to safeguard your identity.

    • Montyjpm on 19/09/2019 - 17:06

      I could be wrong but I do not think you can say money laundering because if you put $100K in and then take $100K out then that is just the same. For money laundering to work, you will need to "launder" it. Therefore, you must put it through some conversion process. For more info, please call Walter White.

  • Potatosaurus on 19/09/2019 - 08:50

    I closed a westpac account last week by doing an online chat. I got a letter yesterday to confirm the account was closed. Full disclosure : I have multiple accounts with them

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 19/09/2019 - 08:51
    +8

    OP reminds me of that classic John Cleese letter.

    "
    Dear Westpac

    I am afraid I'm much too important to visit branches of the likes of you.

    Please remember that I am very very very very very very important.

    I enclose a link to my OzBargain post to remind you of my importance.

    Yours sincerely

    OP
    "

  • lltravel on 19/09/2019 - 08:55
    +3

    lol you're expecting to get $50 for free but don't want to do the run around with Westpac only to go back and close the account

    mate get over it.

    • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:15
      +2

      But, but, but….

      I want free $50 with ZERO effort! :'-(

  • ruddiger7 on 19/09/2019 - 08:59
    +1

    I dropped Westpac for Nab many years ago. No regrets.

  • Normalise on 19/09/2019 - 09:10
    +5

    Is this your first time dealing with a bank?

    You wanted to get free money out of them yet completely wanted to bypass procedures and see that there is no such thing as free money without a catch.

    And with ID, of course you usually cannot submit your ID online without showing your face at a branch because fraud and identity theft is a thing.

    Such a weird thing to cause a ruckus over $50 mate.

    • No ONE on 19/09/2019 - 23:34
      +1

      And with ID, of course you usually cannot submit your ID online without showing your face at a branch because fraud and identity theft is a thing

      Incorrect. In the last 7 years I have opened multiple accounts with various bank, never once visited a branch. ID is usually verified online now so you don't have to visit the branch.

      • Normalise on 20/09/2019 - 08:53

        I agree with what you say but I didn't say "that no banks allow for this" hence why I specifically said 'usually'.

        Not sure for Westpac as I am not with them but they sound old school so I wouldn't be surprised if they want ID's the old fashion way like it seems to be in this case.

  • youmademethisway on 19/09/2019 - 09:15
    +13

    Sometimes I can't believe these forum posts are made by actual real life adults

    • syousef on 19/09/2019 - 09:30
      +6

      Even better, he would have spent less time just going to the bank than writing this post and dealing with follow ups.

      Reminds me of that kid that acts up just to get attention.

  • pformag on 19/09/2019 - 09:18
    +6

    Life must be good if this is your worry. FFS

    • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:16

      THIS.

  • PurchaseAnxiety on 19/09/2019 - 09:37
    +2

    I'm a little confused about how Westpac do not have enough verified details to allow you to complete the opening and use the account, but do evidently have enough details to charge a monthly account keeping fee? I know I'm being overly optimistic, but surely they can't have it both ways.

  • bobs burgers on 19/09/2019 - 10:38

    I love you people providing us a constant source of laughter.
    You wanted $50 and you wasted how many hours getting a product you don't want.

    Bloody brilliant you are!

  • trapper on 19/09/2019 - 10:39
    +2

    Is this the hill you want to die on.

    • OzBurger on 19/09/2019 - 12:05

      Nope, that's why I just went and closed the account after posting here yesterday.

      • Ti-au on 19/09/2019 - 14:17
        +4

        Yet you still posted here.

    • syousef on 19/09/2019 - 17:24
      +4

      I'm sorry but we're going to have to verify your identity to issue the death certificate.

    • Croshema on 20/09/2019 - 08:51

      Hill? this one doesn’t have the high ground in this battle. ;)

  • Scorpex on 19/09/2019 - 11:19
    -1

    As a Westpac shareholder I'm delighted to hear of your problems

  • field1985 on 19/09/2019 - 11:21
    -1

    Agreed. Your sense of entitlement is insane.

  • kramkramkram on 19/09/2019 - 11:24
    +2

    For $50, you sold your data to Westpac. :)

    • idonotknowwhy on 19/09/2019 - 12:13
      +2

      you don't use cashrewards?

  • TheSmegger on 19/09/2019 - 11:30
    +1

    OP, I vote for the burn, just keep us updated. Now excuse me, I have popcorn to prepare.

    BTW, guess who the ad under your post is for?

  • 91rs on 19/09/2019 - 11:37
    +19

    You are the worst kind of people.
    I pity those that have to endure you in the sales and retail space given the way you carry on with such entitlement, but I'm sure you don't limit your entitlement to those spaces only.
    Wanting and getting a freebie or bargain is one thing, complaining about it here like you have like the world and apparently Westpac owes you is another thing.
    I am fascinated you were able to find a partner to have children with and hope the way you act isn't something your children learn, unless its just a genetic predisposition.

    • tessel on 19/09/2019 - 15:49
      +1

      MVP content. Well played. Take my upvote.

  • Nutrino on 19/09/2019 - 11:56
    +2

    Op, with you 100%. Please update us your other life journey. Looking forward to your next post.

    • Montyjpm on 19/09/2019 - 17:43
      -2

      His next post will be "Why don't people get out of the way when I drive that I have to indicate to change lanes?!"

  • Fier2 on 19/09/2019 - 12:14
    +2

    At least, it 's not : " westpac opened an account under my name without even taking time to verify my identity ! "

    Life would be so easy for theft identity if they don't need to prove anything.

  • Pudina Chutney on 19/09/2019 - 14:18
    +1

    Another ozbargain story in the making….

  • Carmen Sandiego on 19/09/2019 - 14:54
    +4

    You honestly sound like one of those men in suits (who I hated in hospitality, and continue to do so in Insurance) who take their buzzers, and then, decide to loudly rap it on the metal counter.

    Since I can't yell at them, I'll say this - you are an entitled idiot who needs to suck it up, princess.

    Find the nearest Westpac in your lunch break and deal with it.

    • No ONE on 19/09/2019 - 23:27

      Why the f**K he would need to go to the branch to close an account that was never verified.

    • OzBurger on 20/09/2019 - 08:42
      +3

      Actually, I was polite and reasonable with both the lady on the phone and the branch staff. There is ZERO reason to be a pain to the customer service staff.

      They aren't to blame for the stupidity of the system, they just work with it.

      I guess you missed the point of my post though.

      • Carmen Sandiego on 20/09/2019 - 10:40

        Well, for that, I am glad you weren't rude to the service staff for just doing their jobs. We are both well aware that there are others who aren't as reasonable.

        However, the point of the post (even after reading it again) still sounds to me that you just need to head down to a branch, give them your details, and close the account.

        I am also trying to close down my bank account (for other reasons) and I expect that I will probably have to visit one of their branches because online only isn't going to cut it and identity fraud is a thing.

  • payless69 on 19/09/2019 - 17:29
    +1

    I agree! Westpac is a joke. They bought StGeorge to have at least a working product. Opened an account with Bank of New South Wales in 1982, after they changed their name I had $600 missing and took them weeks to pay me back. Later re financed a house, saved nothing on the end. Asked them for a card machine to deposit 3 millions spread over 4 years but they were too lazy. Now their CEO earns the most! Why should any Ozbargainers even do anything else than harass them for another fake offer? Combank was great for a while but their new app has become another joke. Suncorp went from great to useless but bounced back with a halfway decent app. Still useless for cards. Interesting Westpac owns Rams and they are ok!

  • sillyguy on 19/09/2019 - 19:04
    +1

    Sigh… such entitlement…

    Who do think u are? Different banks got different verification process that u have to follow.

    Grow up dude.

  • oz-dave on 19/09/2019 - 19:25
    +2

    If they are claiming you haven't verified your account, surely you can claim the same?
    When they try to hold an account keeping fee debt against you, point out that they never verified it was you…

  • Dreamcast on 19/09/2019 - 20:01
    +2

    I just don't get how low people can go for $50. No comprendo.

  • nakahanap on 19/09/2019 - 20:02
    +1

    Have had dealings with westpac.

    I had to go in to verify identity at the opening of acct. Staff member had no idea what actually constitutes 100pts (as they required at the time) and took only my DL. I queried but was told by said staff member they were correct.

    Not a fan, myself. There are better options.

  • yeetasaur on 19/09/2019 - 22:23
    +3

    As someone that works for a bank, you're a f**kn tool and idiot for not even thinking of your own financial security as to why identification is required.

  • No ONE on 19/09/2019 - 23:24
    +1

    Let the fee keep accruing. If you get the bill, then ask for evidence that it was you who opened the account.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/09/2019 - 23:31
    +1

    I use many different banks in Australia. I think almost all, except for NAB.
    Every bank has strong points, and weak points.
    Westpac lets you do daily transfers of $500,000 per day. The other 3 major banks don't. CBA is 250k. St George 100k.
    Westpac lets me renew the Esaver intro rate forever.
    Westpac has RSA tokens for personal customers. Great for extra security.
    Westpac overall is quite good in my opinion.

    Some banks require you to personally go into branch to activate account. Really not an issue as security is always most important.
    From memory I needed to go to ANZ to activate my ANZ Black Card also.

    • SeVeN11 on 20/09/2019 - 23:19

      I'll definitely switch to Westpac when I have $500,000 to transfer back and forth on a daily basis!

  • Eeples on 19/09/2019 - 23:32

    How in the end, OP, did you close the account?

    • OzBurger on 20/09/2019 - 08:39
      -3

      Yep.

      • profar on 20/09/2019 - 08:50
        -3

        More importantly was the $50 worth your precious time and effort ?

  • cheeseburger on 20/09/2019 - 05:57
    +2

    You sound like the kind of person who would take a big negative offer on The Chase.

  • Carmen Sandiego on 20/09/2019 - 10:54

    Honestly, this whole post (amongst others) is the reason why I sigh and keep silent on issues to do with the whole Finance sector.

    Everytime I see a post about Car Insurance, I have to bite my tongue.

    As a side note (just so people can't complain about it) - when an Insured person dies, Insurance companies usually wants to see a Death Certificate to prove that.

  • crashloaded on 20/09/2019 - 11:27
    +2

    Retain a $50 lawyer and go to court.

  • ldt on 20/09/2019 - 14:20

    I did have a similar issue with ANZ. Signed up for one of their credit cards, then they say I have to go into one of their branches (which are nowhere near me) between 9-5 to verify my details. I've received plenty of credit cards without having to go into a branch.
    So I say don't worry, just cancel the whole thing and forget about it. Next they tell me the only way to cancel the card is to go into a branch and do it.
    Bizarre.

    • ribbonsofnight on 20/09/2019 - 23:11

      well now you have to get the credit card, checkmate.

      • ldt on 21/09/2019 - 15:02

        Nope! Essentially I couldn’t get the card without visiting the branch, but I couldn’t cancel it either. They said if I left it the yearly fee would come out soon and start accruing interest. So in the end I took an afternoon off to go and cancel the whole thing.

        • ribbonsofnight on 21/09/2019 - 20:37

          I guess sticking your head in the sand really isn't a good option if you want to be able to borrow money in the future.

  • haemolysis on 20/09/2019 - 16:25

    This seems like one of those threads where… if you didn't give us the unnecessary context… you might have had some support. But you decided to give the life story, and everyone's roasting you.

    Your wheeling and dealing to get $50 aside…

    It is incredibly annoying that some banks require branch visits. ID verification is no excuse: if some banks can verify online, then all of them should. But sadly, it isn't the case and you should really just "expect" that. Personally, I cut those banks off from Day 1. If I have to visit a branch, then the tech simply isn't up to scratch for me.

    But, having said that, usually there are ways around branch visits: even if the phone operator told you otherwise. You just have to pull the strings! Ask for the manager, tell them you are currently located far away from your local branch, claim hardship, etc. They will surely have a procedure or be able to sort it out.

    Maybe not one that gets you your $50, but is your hourly rate worth going in for it? You to decide.

  • Bellpop on 20/09/2019 - 17:49

    Westpac are great. Closed a credit card account which was proven with a letter. They accidentally charged me an annual fee after the account was closed and then charged me interest on that without letting me know. After 12 months I got a letter saying they were taking me to court. I called. They apologised and forfeited the amount. Unfortunately every month I didn’t pay my mysterious debt my credit score was smashed. Shill is.

    A bunch of knobs.

    • serpserpserp on 21/09/2019 - 22:10
      +1

      Tell them this. Tell them to fix it.

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