Setting up a new business bank account; timescales

[Blackdog]

Greg (or anyone else) - has anyone tried Barclays e-synch yet? This is their offering for accountants, and in theory you can apply for a account online, and then book the client a appointment at their nearest branch.

We've got the trial but haven't used it yet, however the indifference of Cater Allen's account opening bods is driving things that way.

Incidentally, for anyone reading this in the future, an accountant dealing with Cater Allen will have a list of pre allocated account numbers - this doesn't speed up the account opening process, but does mean the account number is available at the outset with the paperwork catching up.

Hi Jessica, I'm thinking of opening a business account with Cater Allen; what sort of turnaround times are you experiencing - it doesn't sound too promising from what you've said? Shame, as they were excellent when I used them years ago.

[Jessica@WhiteFieldTax]

Hi Jessica, I'm thinking of opening a business account with Cater Allen; what sort of turnaround times are you experiencing - it doesn't sound too promising from what you've said? Shame, as they were excellent when I used them years ago.

'about 14 days at the moment if everything is smooth and the paperwork is right.

HTH

[Anne]

Disappointed with HSBC

Hello. I've been hugely disappointed with HSBC regarding setting up my business account. After a 30 minute phone interview (I was told all this needs to be done via the phone these days), I was assured I'd receive my banking information and credit/debit cards in the mail in a few days. More than a week passed, so I called to check in and someone else said forms were coming for me to sign (they hadn't yet been sent), which I'd have to mail back. Only then would I receive my business account information. I'm guessing this will take three weeks when all is done. I never would have chosen HSBC if they'd been honest about this timescale.