To think a bank should know something about the accounts they offer?

[DowntonTrout]

Called at the bank today. Lloyds TSB. I have banked with the TSB for 25 years. My DH also, plus his business accounts plus the DCs.

I wanted to make an appointment to upgrade DD (11) account from a young savers to an under 19 account. Primarily to get a cash point and debit card. I have researched this. I know the age for this is 11. It is standard in their under 19 account.

I spoke to the manager- he was on the front desk. He says " we don't do that." I say " yes you do, it's on the Internet." he checks his computer- yes they do. I need to see the new accounts person- come back in half an hour- she can do it there and then.

So I do. She tells me they don't do that for 11 year olds- it will just be a bank card. That's no good to me. So she checks- yes actually it will be a visa debit card. Ok then let's close DDs saver account and open a under 19 account. Can't do it, even though I have the paperwork from her other account, my ID (im named on the account) proof of address, Id for DD, but not, crucially, her birth cert or passport .

Maybe I'm a bit stupid for not taking in said items but now I think I'm going to go into the Lloyds that will stay Lloyds and not revert to TSB because if I've got to go through the whole rigmarole of starting from scratch I might as well go somewhere where they are competent. I thought banks were crying out to get their hands on young people in the hope of keeping them for when they are borrowing etc.

Disclaimer: I was not that rude with my Q&As, have tried to be brief.

I fear most banks are the same but it couldn't hurt to shop around. At 11 it's not like she's got direct debits or salary payments to change, it's probably actually a good time to switch!

I wonder if the problem with Lloyds is that they're right in the middle of splitting from TSB, so it's possible there are some accounts they will offer, and some they won't, and some of it's not entirely clear even to employees what's staying and what's going? I had some customer letter, and I think August was a key date, but to be honest, I didn't pay it much attention, once I was clear that my account wouldn't be moving.

It could be. While my accounts will be TSB , DDs present account will be Lloyds. I have just received new cards- but still under the Lloyds TSB banner.

I was just surprised that the debit card is a standard feature of the account we wanted, which has been on offer for years, and says so online and in the leaflets you pick up in store..

I only thought of doing it because someone was asking about debit cards for 11 yo on here last week and DD will be travelling on the train to school so I would like her to have some back up if anything goes wrong, instead of carrying a lot of cash around.

Had a similar experience with HBOS a few years ago. The quality of training they provide their staff must be very basic indeed - they should know about their products in detail and also be able to apply some logic (like the kids details must already be with them since you already have accounts with them). Sometimes I really despair about the way the country is becoming so dumbed down.