Problem creating ED account...

[CannonBoy]

First time poster... Great site!

While completing the online application for an ED account last night, my browser stopped responding. It was stuck on the screen that asks for the user to wait while the account is processed. It appearred as though the page was continuously loading (the IE icon was animated). It remained this way for approximately 30 minutes.

I called customer service, and was able to immediately get through! The gentleman I spoke with suggested that I close the browser and start the application process over.

I followed his suggestion and experienced the same results. Frustrated, I connected to my office network and remoted into my workstation at my desk. After completing the application for the third time, I received a message saying that the system could not process my application at that time and that I should contact customer service.

I called customer service yet again (suprisingly getting straight through again as well!). The lady that I spoke with verified that I had attempted to fill out 3 applications. Apparently their system will lock a person out for 72 hours (!) if they fail to complete 2 applications. I explained that I completed the application, however their system would lock up while processing the applications.

All that she could do was to suggest that I wait 72 hours (!), or fill out a snail mail application. I explained that I would try again this morning when I get to the office, and if I had no luck I was going to consider ING or HSBC!

Has anyone experienced similar problems while completing the application? The most frustrating part was that I could not get any resolution from customer service. Does their online service lack consistency? At this time I'm not sure that I feel safe and secure using Emigrant Direct, even though they have come highly recommended from various sources (compared to the competition).

Sorry for the long post... it was part fishing for information and part venting

[34saving]

Re: Problem creating ED account...

I had problems of a different type and to this day my husband isn't a joint account holder. (I think that's because he actually changed his driver's license address when we moved . . .as for me . . . not so much. . . .Good to penalize people for doing what they're supposed to do.) I will say that after the horrible sign-up process I haven't had any other problems with them.

[BTC]

Re: Problem creating ED account...

I haven't had any problems with ED, but I would suggest opening other accounts anyway. It will offer you some flexibility and you might be able to get some free money by simply opening accounts with HSBC & ING. I'm considering opening an account with GMAC. They seem to be offering the highest non-promotional rate right now.

My experience has been that transactions initiated with ED process faster than with either HSBC or ING.

[WellManicuredMan]

Re: Problem creating ED account...

I didn't have any issues opening an account with ED. It took forever, but I knew what to expect before I started. Everything went very smoothly.

I haven't had any issues with them after setting the account up either, except for one minor thing I didn't understand at first:

When you do a transfer, it will disappear from the "pending transfer" page on the day it is being processed and it will look like you didn't make a transfer. Then the next day it will magically show up in your account activity and your balance will reflect the amount. So be aware of this so you don't create a duplicate transfer because you think the first one didn't work when it disappears for a day.

Their website interface is very basic but it works fine. Transfers are fast as well.

[mrvirgo]

Re: Problem creating ED account...

CannonBoy, sorry about your problems. Persist and keep calling coustomer service until your problems are resolved. They will do what they can.

It too me two weeks from start to finish to open an account with ED. If they decide to take the lead in APY rates, they will get most of my savings. Moving money in and out of my ED account has been lightning fast. I'm talking ONE DAY! I have no complaints about ED,but since Citi has a branch close to my house, for now, my money is in Citi e-Savings.

[CannonBoy]

Re: Problem creating ED account...

Yesterday, I checked to see if I was still "locked out". I filled out the application, and just as before it seemed to lock up on the screen asking me to "please wait while they process my application".

I called customer service. The lady on the other end was nice, and I understand that she probably does not know how to go about handling this problem. However, the only response that I get is that no one else is reporting any problems. No one at ED seems concerned and doesn't really seem like they want to work for my business.

I explained that I was using the link from this forum (for the unofficial ED bonus). They of course stated that they were unaware of any affiliate or partner program, and that I should try from "their website". Just to oblige, I browsed to their website and filled out the application again. Now, I'm locked out again for 72 hours.

Just to be sure, when I got off of the phone with CS, I called my ISP and ran through a series of tests with them just to make sure that it couldn't be a connection issue on my end. Everything passed with flying colors...

So, now I'm at a lost. The only thing that has stopped me from opening an account elsewhere is that I'm waiting to see what happens with interest rates this coming week as HSBC's intro rate has dropped.

Maybe I'll just fill out and mail the application. I have, however, developed an uneasyness towards ED and am afraid of what other problems I might find with their website once I have an account and begin to transfer money.

Thank you all for your input. I only wish I wasn't the only one experiencing this problem.