PTSB making it harder to dodge quarterly fees

Bob24

Ten Pin wrote: »

However there's a basic current account that is free EXCEPT for one main condition which is max annual lodgement of 20k.

Another condition is to have no other bank account in ireland I believe, which can be quite an annoyance especially combined to the yearly lodgement limit. If someone is going to lodge at least 2500 per month they should go forth Extra Current account as mentioned above, which will be free without the limitation of the basic banking service account.

BillieBob101

Gracelynn Ashy Alfalfa wrote: »

I know this may be better asked in the KBC forum but as a few of you appear to be switching to KBC, I thought I'd ask my question in this thread.

Do transfers between KBC current accounts count towards the 2,500 minimum monthly deposit requirement for free banking?

I contacted KBC twice today and got two different answers. One agent said yes, the second said no and insisted that it had to come from an 'external source'. I asked where it said that in the T&Cs but I have to wait for a call back.

Hi, just wondering if you got an answer to this? I was told the same by someone from kbc on the phone but I haven't been able to see it anywhere in the T&Cs. Quite annoying that it's not clear, one way or the other.

lashes34

I got a call back today about opening an account with KBC and asked this question. Was told the money has to come from external sources so I told them I was no longer interested. Might try the explore account.

BillieBob101

lashes34 wrote: »

I got a call back today about opening an account with KBC and asked this question. Was told the money has to come from external sources so I told them I was no longer interested. Might try the explore account.

I've pushed pause on switching myself based on this. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do. I wouldn't mind if it was clearly stated, but I searched the T&Cs and I can't find it anywhere.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp

I rang again and asked the same question for a third time. The answer was that the funds must come from 'external sources'. I tried rephrasing the question a number of times to get a definitive answer but the agent just kept repeating the funds have to come from external sources'.

I asked where in T&Cs does it state that the funds have to come from external source but the agent was not able to give me an answer, other than refer to the fees and charges guide.

A couple of posters here have said they transferred between accounts and after reading the guide and the T&Cs, I would be happy that transferring funds between KBC accounts meets the requirement of a lodgement.

From the guide (here):

"An Extra Current Account customer will benefit from no fees for maintaining the account and/or Cash withdrawal [ATM] & Cheque lodgement processing fees so long as they lodge a minimum amount of €2,500 to the account each month. If you fail to lodge €2,500 to your Extra urrent Account in any given month you will be liable for all fees and charges applicable to a standard KBC Current Account as set out in this booklet for the whole of the quarter in which that month fell. You will continue to be liable for such fees and charges until such time as you recommence making the minimum lodgement of €2,500 a month. All other fees and charges as outlined in this booklet are applicable to the KBC Extra Current Account."


From their T&Cs (here):

"48.3.1 To be eligible for an Extra Current Account you must agree to lodge a minimum amount of €2,500 to your
Account each and every calendar month. Existing Current Accountholder(s) can apply to change their
Current Account to an Extra Current Account. An Extra Current Account can be opened in sole or joint names
with a maximum of two accountholders in respect of joint accounts. Only one Extra Current Account in your
sole name and one in your joint names is permitted per individual.
48.3.2 The holder of an Extra Current Account will benefit from no account maintenance and/or ATM Withdrawal &
Cheque Lodgement processing fees being charged to the Account so long as they continue to lodge €2,500
to the account each month. Other fees and charges may apply in accordance with our Fees and Charges
Booklet."

Continues into sections 48.3.4/5/6

Ten Pin

Ten Pin wrote: »

The account that EBS offer (Money Manager) is of the type that all the banks here are supposed to offer, PTSB included. If you're ringing PTSB, ask them can you close your existing current account and open the free current account where there are no hoops to jump through for free banking (just be aware that max annual total lodgement has to be under 20k, you could get salary into N26).
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/money_and_tax/personal_finance/banking/standard_bank_account.html

The only reason to stay with PTSB is that if you have savings account with them, it's easy to transfer money into the current account for a card or direct debit transaction and leave just a small balance the rest of the time.

Ebs money manager has no 20k lodgement limit.

AlmightyCushion

Gracelynn Ashy Alfalfa wrote: »

I rang again and asked the same question for a third time. The answer was that the funds must come from 'external sources'. I tried rephrasing the question a number of times to get a definitive answer but the agent just kept repeating the funds have to come from external sources'.

I asked where in T&Cs does it state that the funds have to come from external source but the agent was not able to give me an answer, other than refer to the fees and charges guide.

A couple of posters here have said they transferred between accounts and after reading the guide and the T&Cs, I would be happy that transferring funds between KBC accounts meets the requirement of a lodgement.

From the guide (here):

"An Extra Current Account customer will benefit from no fees for maintaining the account and/or Cash withdrawal [ATM] & Cheque lodgement processing fees so long as they lodge a minimum amount of €2,500 to the account each month. If you fail to lodge €2,500 to your Extra urrent Account in any given month you will be liable for all fees and charges applicable to a standard KBC Current Account as set out in this booklet for the whole of the quarter in which that month fell. You will continue to be liable for such fees and charges until such time as you recommence making the minimum lodgement of €2,500 a month. All other fees and charges as outlined in this booklet are applicable to the KBC Extra Current Account."


From their T&Cs (here):

"48.3.1 To be eligible for an Extra Current Account you must agree to lodge a minimum amount of €2,500 to your
Account each and every calendar month. Existing Current Accountholder(s) can apply to change their
Current Account to an Extra Current Account. An Extra Current Account can be opened in sole or joint names
with a maximum of two accountholders in respect of joint accounts. Only one Extra Current Account in your
sole name and one in your joint names is permitted per individual.
48.3.2 The holder of an Extra Current Account will benefit from no account maintenance and/or ATM Withdrawal &
Cheque Lodgement processing fees being charged to the Account so long as they continue to lodge €2,500
to the account each month. Other fees and charges may apply in accordance with our Fees and Charges
Booklet."

Continues into sections 48.3.4/5/6

I never had a problem moving money between my KBC savings account and current account to reach the limit. It's possible they've changed that though. You could always transfer out to Revolut or N26 and back again. That would count as an external source.

thomasj

George Lazy Shepherdess wrote: »

Ebs money manager has no 20k lodgement limit.

And it also gives you the option to switch bank on the form which doesn't sound like a basic account.

Corbally76

Just started the process of moving away from PTSB this week. Moving all my direct debits and salary to a cash account in a credit union. I filled in the direct debit mandates manually for mortgage etc and did gas / electricity online this afternoon ( didn't take too long). The credit union don't have any ATM cards so opened a free N26 current account to get their MasterCard debit card (5 free withdrawals a month) so I can access cash. I'll be all ready early next month to close my accounts with PTSB. I'll now have Google pay, no fx currency transaction fees when I go to the UK and USA!! Thank you PTSB for giving me the reason to leave!!

Inviere

Just back from switching my current account to the Explore account. Simple process, ID and proof of address, staff member does the rest. Everything stays the same (direct debits, account number, etc), so it's literally just an account type swap. In PTSB speak, it's an E4 account (current) changing to an E5 account (Explore). So fees will reduce from €72 to a maximum of €48 (you get cashback of max €5 per month for using the debit card with an Explore account, so will likely be less). I'm happy enough with that tbh, saving the headache of switching everything to a new account.

I was tempted to go with KBC, but being cashless, it's a bit of a headache for me.

Daith

Inviere wrote: »

Just back from switching my current account to the Explore account. Simple process, ID and proof of address, staff member does the rest. Everything stays the same (direct debits, account number, etc), so it's literally just an account type swap. In PTSB speak, it's an E4 account (current) changing to an E5 account (Explore). So fees will reduce from €72 to a maximum of €48 (you get cashback of max €5 per month for using the debit card with an Explore account, so will likely be less). I'm happy enough with that tbh, saving the headache of switching everything to a new account.

I was tempted to go with KBC, but being cashless, it's a bit of a headache for me.

Probably best option for me. I wouldn't mind KBC but like the idea of still having a local bank instead of a hub.

biebiebie

Inviere wrote: »

Just back from switching my current account to the Explore account. Simple process, ID and proof of address, staff member does the rest.

How many proof of address did you need?
What if I just bring in the letter itself, would that be enough do you think?
(I'll have my driver's license also for id)

Also did you just drop in unexpectedly? Or did you make an appointment?

TIA.

judeboy101

biebiebie wrote: »

How many proof of address did you need?
What if I just bring in the letter itself, would that be enough do you think?
(I'll have my driver's license also for id)

Also did you just drop in unexpectedly? Or did you make an appointment?

TIA.

Popped in to do the same today, they told me id still need to inform all my dd and employers of my new iban/bic. Told them I might as well switch to kbc if that's the case.

Inviere

biebiebie wrote: »

How many proof of address did you need?
What if I just bring in the letter itself, would that be enough do you think?
(I'll have my driver's license also for id)

Also did you just drop in unexpectedly? Or did you make an appointment?

TIA.

I brought in a bill with my name/address on it. Not sure if the letter will suffice. I didn't just drop in, I made an appointment over the phone (number on their website). If you phone up, ask them about the letter being valid as proof of address.

judeboy101 wrote: »

Popped in to do the same today, they told me id still need to inform all my dd and employers of my new iban/bic. Told them I might as well switch to kbc if that's the case.

The staff member you were dealing with was wrong, literally nothing about the account changes barring the account type. I made a withdrawal on my way out, with my existing card from the new type account. Open24 shows my account is now an Explore account too, with everything identical to how it was before I changed it over.

LillySV

judeboy101 wrote: »

Popped in to do the same today, they told me id still need to inform all my dd and employers of my new iban/bic. Told them I might as well switch to kbc if that's the case.

You should be changing to kbc... why award ptsb for showing such a lack of respect to their customers by staying with them.

I changed over with kbc last nite... great customer service... they will handle the transfer over and all related transactions so totally pain free process ... don’t have to worry about charges now and don’t have to pay for card or any of the nonsense ptsb are at. Was told that kbc will be reducing the minimum transfer movement of 2.5k per month back to 2k also

Daith

LillySV wrote: »

You should be changing to kbc... why award ptsb for showing such a lack of respect to their customers by staying with them.

Only issue would be the cashless service. If you need a bank draft you apply in writing, wait a few days, etc. Not a major issue but could impact someone people.

Icsics

LillySV wrote: »

You should be changing to kbc... why award ptsb for showing such a lack of respect to their customers by staying with them.

I changed over with kbc last nite... great customer service... they will handle the transfer over and all related transactions so totally pain free process ... don’t have to worry about charges now and don’t have to pay for card or any of the nonsense ptsb are at. Was told that kbc will be reducing the minimum transfer movement of 2.5k per month back to 2k also

I too found the KBC customer service excellent & the App is excellent

Bob24

Icsics wrote: »

I too found the KBC customer service excellent & the App is excellent

Yes KBC is definitely better with technology and remote banking (mobile payments, better app, more thinks you can do remotely via the app and the website).

I guess it is simply part of their business model to invest more in technology and remote services so that they can save big money with having less branches and offering less services directly at the branch compared to say PTSB, but nontheless it is nice to have.

mugsymugsy

Bob24 wrote: »

Yes KBC is definitely better with technology and remote banking (mobile payments, better app, more thinks you can do remotely via the app and the website).

I guess it is simply part of their business model to invest more in technology and remote services so that they can save big money with having less branches and offering less services directly at the branch compared to say PTSB, but nontheless it is nice to have.

I have a joint account and mortgage with KBC I agree to a certain point however they are frustrating and are slow or just wont implement things such as having your mortgage being able to be viewed electronically

Bob24

mugsymugsy wrote: »

I have a joint account and mortgage with KBC I agree to a certain point however they are frustrating and are slow or just wont implement things such as having your mortgage being able to be viewed electronically

Didn't know about the mortgage thing, that's not great indeed.

But I guess while not perfect pretty much everyone would agree that they are definitely much better than PTSB (or BOI) with those things (I am just starting with them but AIB also seems to be doing OK with tech besides their annoying card reader for some operations).

Bojill

judeboy101 wrote: »

Popped in to do the same today, they told me id still need to inform all my dd and employers of my new iban/bic. Told them I might as well switch to kbc if that's the case.

I've done it, nothing changes to your account/card etc.
So far I have 4.50eur in cash back from sky processing, and I have 1.70 from using my card, (all from online transactions revolut,ryanair,lotto etc)
I'm glad I didn't jump into the switch to KBC.

km79

Bojill wrote: »

I've done it, nothing changes to your account/card etc.
So far I have 4.50eur in cash back from sky processing, and I have 1.70 from using my card, (all from online transactions revolut,ryanair,lotto etc)
I'm glad I didn't jump into the switch to KBC.

So do we or do we not have to inform our employers and utilities to change DD?

wonski

km79 wrote: »

So do we or do we not have to inform our employers and utilities to change DD?

No. All direct debits, standing orders and everything else really is unchanged.

Rock Steady Edy

Received this letter a few days ago. Have been happy with PTSB since moving from Ulster Bank 4 years ago after a similar minimum balance was imposed.

Are the only options with PTSB then:
- to accept retaining a minimum balance of €2,500 to avail of free banking or
- to move to an Explore account where there is a smaller monthly charge but you might be able to mitigate it by earning 10c per item on qualifying transactions?

We have recently moved our mortgage to KBC so already have a current account set up with them but was only going to use it to fund the mortgage and carry on using the PTSB as a current account.

However, if the only options with PTSB are the above, then might as well make full use of KBC and simplify things.

Fann Linn

Rock Steady Edy wrote: »

Received this letter a few days ago. Have been happy with PTSB since moving from Ulster Bank 4 years ago after a similar minimum balance was imposed.

Are the only options with PTSB then:
- to accept retaining a minimum balance of €2,500 to avail of free banking or
- to move to an Explore account where there is a smaller monthly charge but you might be able to mitigate it by earning 10c per item on qualifying transactions?

We have recently moved our mortgage to KBC so already have a current account set up with them but was only going to use it to fund the mortgage and carry on using the PTSB as a current account.

However, if the only options with PTSB are the above, then might as well make full use of KBC and simplify things.

Use the PTSB Explore account and avoid the charges.

Inviere

km79 wrote: »

So do we or do we not have to inform our employers and utilities to change DD?

100% no. I done it during the week, as others have. Absolutely nothing changes, see my previous post a few posts back. If the staff member tells you otherwise, they’re wrong, ask them to ring head office and get clarification.

Rock Steady Edy

Fann Linn wrote: »

Use the PTSB Explore account and avoid the charges.

Thanks. I've had a look at the details. Of the 3 cashback partners they give we use Sky so that would return €2.50 of the monthly fee, conditional on us retaining Sky. Airtricity are consistently an expensive utility company for our needs (and we switch every year to the then best offer) so nothing there and we already have a Circle K card (so nothing new there either). I rarely use the PTSB debit card other than to withdraw cash and just put most things on the credit card (to earn rewards with another provider) and pay that off at the end of each month.

So while I accept that the net effect is that we might be either no worse off or only slightly so, it's just messier for sure. I might try it for a couple of months and do a full switch to KBC if it's not working out.

Bob24

Does anyone know the proper process to close a PTSB current account?

I’m pretty much ready to do it but couldn’t find how you are supposed to proceed on their website (for the savings account, there was an address clearly mentioned on the website to send a letter and it worked; I don’t know if I’m looking at the wrong place but I don’t see the same thing in the T&Cs for current accounts).

loki7777

Bob24 wrote: »

Does anyone know the proper process to close a PTSB current account?

I’m pretty much ready to do it but couldn’t find how you are supposed to proceed on their website (for the savings account, there was an address clearly mentioned on the website to send a letter and it worked; I don’t know if I’m looking at the wrong place but I don’t see the same thing in the T&Cs for current accounts).

Could you please provide link to that as i was thinking that it saving account is attached to current account then when closing CU you will close both of them.

Walter Knight

Fann Linn wrote: »

Use the PTSB Explore account and avoid the charges.

My bet seems to be on PTSB Basic Payment Account. https://www.permanenttsb.ie/everyday-banking/current-accounts/basic-payment-account/
I do not see even a requirement to keep any minimum amount of money in that account. But I would also be glad to hear any customer reviews :rolleyes:
"With the Basic Payment Account, the following facilities are available:

Visa Debit Card
Open24 Online and Telephone Banking

Mobile and App Banking
Cash and cheque lodgement
Cash withdrawal
Standing Orders and Direct Debits
Bill payments online and over the phone
Credit transfers
GoREWARDS"

Ten Pin

But I would also be glad to hear any customer reviews

Not sure there'll be many using that account because the banks don't want it to be widely known that free banking is available.

The max lodgement total per annum is 20k but that seems to be the only condition apart from having no other current account in an Irish bank.

Was planning to close current account in PTSB and open the basic account, also in PTSB. If they decline that, will go down the street to EBS and open a free account there. EBS don't seem to have the 20k limit imposed. EBS don't have contactless.

Walter Knight

Ten Pin wrote: »

Was planning to close current account in PTSB and open the basic account, also in PTSB. If they decline that, will go down the street

Same here.:rolleyes:
I would prefer to convert my recent PTSB current account into the basic account if it`s a viable scheme
Please let us know if you succeed

Bob24

loki7777 wrote: »

Could you please provide link to that as i was thinking that it saving account is attached to current account then when closing CU you will close both of them.

I had 4 different types of savings accounts with them. Sent a letter requesting to close them with all the IBAN numbers at the address listed here and they close then within a week: https://www.permanenttsb.ie/saving-and-investing/savings-accounts/online-instant-access/

Address is:

permanent tsb Deposit Services
56-59 St. Stephen's Green
Dublin 2

Maybe if all you have is an online regular saver account it will be closed automatically, but I am not sure.

Woshy

We also changed to the Explore Account and it was very easy.

No appointment -we popped in, showed our IDs, signed some forms and we were done. I’ve been using my cards as normal since the switch and have had direct debits come out of the account too.

It definitely was the least work of all the options. It took me ten minutes of my time and that’s it. As it’s a joint account that we both use our cards on, plus we have a sky direct debit we won’t pay many (if any) fees

ahbell

Voting with my feet and switched to KBC - sign up process was a doddle.

pmce4

Woshy wrote: »

We also changed to the Explore Account and it was very easy.

No appointment -we popped in, showed our IDs, signed some forms and we were done. I’ve been using my cards as normal since the switch and have had direct debits come out of the account too.

It definitely was the least work of all the options. It took me ten minutes of my time and that’s it. As it’s a joint account that we both use our cards on, plus we have a sky direct debit we won’t pay many (if any) fees

I better read my letter again, My impression is that if I do nothing I will be automatically moved over to the new account!! Better check if this is this explorer account.

ILikeBoats

Woshy wrote: »

We also changed to the Explore Account and it was very easy.

No appointment -we popped in, showed our IDs, signed some forms and we were done. I’ve been using my cards as normal since the switch and have had direct debits come out of the account too.

It definitely was the least work of all the options. It took me ten minutes of my time and that’s it. As it’s a joint account that we both use our cards on, plus we have a sky direct debit we won’t pay many (if any) fees

If it's a joint account, do both parties need to be present to switch it over do you know?

Bob24

pmce4 wrote: »

I better read my letter again, My impression is that if I do nothing I will be automatically moved over to the new account!! Better check if this is this explorer account.

If it is the same letter I got, you will be automatically moved to a new type of account, but not the explore one.

deise08

Lost my wallet at the weekend with my card in it... Will give me a reason to go in now to switch accounts while ordering a new card.

iniall

ILikeBoats wrote: »

If it's a joint account, do both parties need to be present to switch it over do you know?

Yes, I had to take the letter home, get my wife to co-sign it and then post it back to them.

Ten Pin

I better read my letter again, My impression is that if I do nothing I will be automatically moved over to the new account!! Better check if this is this explorer account.

If you do nothing, you'll be charged the full quarterly fee unless the account has 2500 balance at all times.

The J Stands for Jay

ahbell wrote: »

Voting with my feet and switched to KBC - sign up process was a doddle.

The government were trying to encourage people to switch by making it easier. Little did they know the way to make it happen was to start charging.

handlemaster

Ten Pin wrote: »

If you do nothing, you'll be charged the full quarterly fee unless the account has 2500 balance at all times.

yea its a little much to have sitting there with zero interest, but I guess there are no rewards for having savings now.

Icsics

handlemaster wrote: »

yea its a little much to have sitting there with zero interest, but I guess there are no rewards for having savings now.

Regular Saver in KBC is 2.1%

baktag

I have moved from PTSB to KBC

Moved 2 joint current accounts,savings account and a credit card.
the transition was fine, no major problems and I know have apple pay with KBC

pmce4

Bob24 wrote: »

If it is the same letter I got, you will be automatically moved to a new type of account, but not the explore one.

thanks for that I better get in so

Jmccoy1

Was with KBC myself, not much to complain about, however not being able to make the odd cash lodgement made me change back to PTSB.

What's the easiest way to close a PTSB account?

From previous experience they don't make it too easy. Hopefully it has improved!

Bob24

RoboKlopp wrote: »

What's the easiest way to close a PTSB account?

From previous experience they don't make it too easy. Hopefully it has improved!

Asked them on Twitter and they said you either need to go to a branch in person with ID and a proof of address, or that you can post certified copies of those documents with a letter requesting the account closure.

That is for current accounts - savings accounts can be close simply with a letter.

Bob24

Bob24 wrote: »

Asked them on Twitter and they said you either need to go to a branch in person with ID and a proof of address, or that you can post certified copies of those documents with a letter requesting the account closure.

That is for current accounts - savings accounts can be close simply with a letter.

Cheers