Internet Savings Questions
Select a question to jump to it.
Applying:
- How do I open an Internet Savings account?
- When I set up a linked account, I get shown the wrong address for my bank.
- Why do I have to produce identification documents to open an account?
- I have applied online but I have not received an access token or a user name.
- I am an existing Internet customer do I still need to send in a cheque?
Activation:
About the account:
- Can I register from outside the UK?
- Can I use my Internet Savings account as a business account?
- Does the account have to be in my sole name?
- Can I hold more than one Internet savings account?
How do I open an Internet Savings account?
- Go to the Birmingham Midshires website: www.askbm.co.uk
- Click on the Savings link
- Then click on the Internet Savings link
- Click on Apply
- Follow the instructions on the screen. If you need any further advice please contact the Internet Savings Team on 0845 850 0059 for assistance. Lines are open 8am - 8pm Monday - Saturday
Please ensure you read the Terms & Conditions of the account before applying
When I set up a linked account, I get shown the wrong address for my bank.
We show the bank address for your clearing bank. This may not be your local bank address, it may be your bank's regional or head office address. Providing you entered the sort code and account number correctly, your linked account will be set up correctly.
Why do I have to produce identification documents to open an account?
All financial institutions are now required by law to confirm the identity and address of customers when a new account is opened. This means that if we're unable to verify this information using electronic verification we may have to see some paper based form of identification and proof of address.
I've applied online but I've not received an access token or a Username.
Access Token
If you are a new internet customer and your access token hasn't arrived, but you've received your Username letter, your email program may have placed the email we sent you into a different folder. Check your spam folder for an email from Birmingham Midshires (bm@esavingsaccount.co.uk).
If you're using spam protection software, you may need to add the following email addresses to your address book, otherwise you may not receive our emails. Check your email program's instructions on how to do this, or speak to your Internet Service Provider for help.
- Birmingham Midshires (BM@esavingsaccount.co.uk)
- Birmingham Midshires (info@birminghammidshires.co.uk)
Once you've added the addresses, please call the Internet Savings Team on 0845 850 0059 (Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm) and ask them to re-issue the access token.
Also you might have spelt your email address wrong when you applied for the account; when speaking to our Internet Savings Team on the above number, confirm how you've spelt the email address, and they will check that it is correct.
If you still don't receive the access token within 4 hours of it being sent, you may need to speak to your Internet Service Provider to see why they are having problems delivering the email to you. In this case, we would suggest that you set up and use a free email account (such as yahoo.co.uk or hotmail.com) as we know tokens can be received via those email addresses, while your Internet Service Provider investigates the problem. We're unable to provide you with advice on how to do this - please check the relevant websites for instructions.
If you're an existing internet customer and have activated one of your internet accounts, your new account will be activated on completion of your application.
Username
If you are a new internet customer you will receive your username when all relevant documents have been received.
I am an existing Internet customer do I still need to send in a cheque?
If you're an existing Internet customer and you've entered the same bank details as you have on your existing Internet account then we don't require an opening cheque from you. The amount you enter when applying for the account will automatically be taken once the link with your bank has been established (this can take up to 10 banking days). If you've entered new bank details to use as your linked account then we'll require an opening cheque from your linked account in order to verify your details.
How do I activate my account?
If you are a new internet customer when your Internet Savings Account is opened, and satisfactory documentation has been received we will send you an Access Token by e-mail and a Username by post. Once you've received both of these pieces of information, you'll be able to activate your account and set up security online. Instructions for activating your account are included in the email containing your access token.
If you're an existing internet customer and have activated one of your internet accounts, your new account will be activated on completion of your application.
You have sent me my access token but the email is blank.
The access token is sent in landscape format. Please maximise your screen and scroll to the right hand side and you should be able to view your access token.
Can I register from outside the UK?
In order to complete the online registration, you must be a UK resident. We're unable to endorse the use of our services from abroad. If you complete the online registration process whilst residing in the UK, you may be able to use our online service from abroad to purely view your account, providing no transactions are made, and dependent on the local banking laws.
Can I use my Internet Savings Account as a business account?
Birmingham Midshires' internet accounts are strictly savings accounts. You can only transfer money to and from one linked bank account. It is therefore not suitable as a business account.
Does the account have to be in my sole name?
Birmingham Midshires' Internet Savings Accounts can only be opened in a sole name. We do however offer a competitive range of non-internet savings accounts for joint account holders. Please contact our Savings and Investment Team on 0845 602 2828 for further information, or refer to our Savings and Investment section.
Can I hold more than one Internet Savings Account?
Yes, you can hold as many Internet Savings Accounts as you wish.
Calls may be monitored and recorded for security and training purposes. 0845 numbers may not be available outside the UK. Calls from BT landlines will cost a maximum of 4p per minute plus a 6p call set-up fee. The price of calls from other telephone companies and from outside the UK will vary. The call price is correct as at today's date.
