to think it is stupid that an online savings account needs a card reader to access it

[DrTrillianAstra]

...it's an online saver, from Tesco. Not only did they hang onto my money for about 2 1/2 months before sending me all the info I needed to access my account online, but now I tried to set up a payment and it says I need a card reader. I don't have a bloody card! It's an online saver!

"Click here to order your card reader. If you do not have a suitable card one will be sent to you."

"Thank you for ordering a card reader, it should be with you withing 15 days."

Another 15 days until I actually have access to my money. Thieving bastards.

I know, not a proper AIBU but just a rant. So what?

It stops people who don't have a card reader (i.e., someone who has managed to get access to your details) helping themselves to your money. More and more banks are doing this as standard.

Well I agree in principle, but it's for your own security in the end - if someone managed to hack in to your account they couldn't get your money either!

Tesco are notorious for being slow about setting accounts up but it should take less than 15 days...

And once you are set up they actually do those fast payments - straight in, no messing - no other accounts I have are doing that yet

Well that last bit is good news at least.

It just seems ridiculous when it's an account that doesn't even come with a card.

And if it's needed to take money out shouldn't they automatically send you a card reader when the account is set up, instead of having to ask for one? What did they think I wanted to do, just put my money in there and leave it there forever?

Nationwide ask you to do it to change passwords etc. I can transfer money without it though.