AIBU to complain to Barclays?

[BornToShopForcedToWork]

Until last week I banked with Lloyds TSB but wasn't really happy with their customer service and a friend suggested Barclays to me. Last week I opened my bank account (The Premier Life one) which comes with a shiny contactless Black Premier Debit Card. This week I received everything I need including my debit card - a normal Barclays card. I am not being precious about the colour of my debit card however the black Premier card gives me access to benefits I pay £25 a month for. This is something the blue doesn't. For example access to certain events, the Barclays Lounge at the O2 and I don't have to queue or pay for exhibitions at some art galleries.

I phoned Barclays up and they told me that I wouldn't get a the black card until I have been with them for 12 months. So I have to pay £25 a month for this bank account and I can only access some of their benefits (The same I only paid £13 for at Lloyds)?!

It is not like it is a CREDIT card. It is a normal debit card and I can only access the money in my account. The only difference is that i can take out £750 from the ATM every day compared to the usual £300 as long as the money is in my account.

AIBU to complain to Barclays as I was clearly mis-sold this product?

YABU. You ought to have read the T&Cs. I'm sure it would be detailed that you weren't entitled to the benefits of the account for 12 months.

Garcia I asked them if I would receive the card and the lady said yes. This was the main reasons why I chose this account. Why on earth would I want to pay £25 a month for nothing?

From what you have posted you will receive the card but in 12 months. Did you read the T&Cs?

It says nothing about it in the T&C's.

If it doesn't mention that there isn't a qualifying period than you aren't being unreasonable so I would complain. I'll be interested to know their response.

You may not have qualified for all the requirements to get this.

Lockets Yes, it isn't available anymore since Monday. I opened the account on Friday so I still have full access to all their benefits. I have a "confirmation" of all this printed out by the person who opened the account for me.

I don't care what colour my card is but it just really annoys me that i can't access benefits I was promised and I pay for it.

I am trying to move banks at the moment and have realised that they are now charging far more for current accounts which is them trying to rake back all their PPI mis-selling losses (along with all their other other losses). I think they're evil but am a complete hypocrite because I use them and have even worked for one.

Have you tried the FSA Consumer Helpline OP to see if they've got any practical advice?www.fsa.gov.uk/consumerinformation/consumer_contact

As Garcia has pointed out a copy of their Ts&Cs and anything you signed or brochures for the account would be useful. Have you asked them directly where they have stated this to you in writing either in the Ts&Cs or before you signed?

Or sometimes a search of the Moneysavingexpert.com forums can be helpful as well to see if other people are having the same issues with companies/banks etc?

www.fsa.gov.uk/consumerinformation/consumer_contact

sorry forgot to do link

It says £10 a month on the website too... I would be pissed off at paying £25 for the priviledge of loaning them my money!

I will call the lady tomorrow who opened the account for me. Let's see what she says.