Tried to open an Advance account. Got the automated 30 second refusal, but it said to ring this number if you would like to have your application reviewed. It turned out to be the wrong number (business, not personal). Put through to right number (I presume), but after 2 and a half hours on hold was unceremoniously disconnected. Found another number for account opening and rang it. Chap was reasonably helpful, went to speak to 'back office', came back and said my application had been accepted and I would receive paperwork in the post in a few days. Nothing came. 2 weeks ago I got a text to say my application was being 'reviewed' and I would hear soon (can't see on what basis the application could be reviewed, given that I'd not been asked for any new information beyond what was on the online application, which was pretty basic). Nothing since. Why on earth would a bank offer a large inducement to open an account, then make such a cock-up of the process? I have opened many bank accounts in the last couple of years and never had any trouble. M&S and First Direct (both affiliated with HSBC) could show them a thing or two about how to handle account openings, especially the 'Know your customer' aspect.