bank: common enquiries

What is the interest rate on a smilemore current account?
Do I get an overdraft?
How do I switch my account to smilemore?
Will I get anything in the post with my smilemore account?
What does the UK and European motor breakdown assistance cover me for
Can I upgrade my UK and European motor breakdown assistance?
What does the worldwide family travel insurance cover me for?
When does the smilemore worldwide family travel insurance cover start?
What's the policy number for the worldwide family travel insurance?
What's the emergency contact number for the worldwide family travel insurance?
How do I make a claim for worldwide family travel insurance?
How is the money in my account protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?

Q. What is the interest rate on a smilemore current account?

A. You'll get 0.12% AER on every penny in your account.

Q. Do I get an overdraft?

A. smilemore customers pay 0% in debit interest on the first £260 of a 12 month, fee free £500 overdraft. The next £240 is charged at 11.9% EAR.

If you want to increase your overdraft limit just send us a secure message after you've got your account. There will be a service charge of £20 applied. Our overdraft facilities are subject to an annual review.

Tell me more about smilemore overdraft charges

Q. How do I switch my account to smilemore?

A. It's really easy, we do it all for you. Once your new smile current account's opened, our dedicated switching team will transfer your old current account across to smile. We swap all your direct debits and standing orders for you and provide the letters you need to switch any payments you receive to smile.

This process usually takes around 14 days, once we get your transfer letter and information from your old bank.

Tell me more about switching to smilemore

Q. Will I get anything in the post with my smilemore account?

A. Yes, You'll get all the usual stuff like a debit card and PIN, a cheque book plus paying in envelopes and account mandates.

Once your account is opened we'll also send you a smilemore benefits pack. This'll include your UK and European motor breakdown assistance details, your worldwide family travel insurance policy documentation and your smilemore Smartsave discount card.

Q. What does the UK and European motor breakdown assistance cover me for?

A. With smilemore, your vehicle is automatically covered by our comprehensive UK and European motor breakdown assistance provided by AXA Assistance worth £211.44*. Here's what it covers you for:

If your vehicle is immobilised as a result of a breakdown, we will arrange and pay for a vehicle rescue operator to come to the place of the breakdown for up to one hour in order to try and restore the vehicle’s mobility.
If your vehicle cannot be made roadworthy at the place of breakdown, we will arrange and pay for your vehicle together with the driver and up to seven passengers to be taken to a suitable local garage normally within 15 miles, for it to be repaired at your cost.

*Based on comparative cover provided by a leading competitor which includes local, UK recovery and Home start, £133.00 discounted to £99.75 if brought online. Annual European policy is an additional £103.90 (based on a 5-year old saloon car). Price correct at 06/04/2009.

Tell me more about the UK and European motor breakdown assistance cover

Q. Can I upgrade my UK and European motor breakdown assistance?

A.You can add additional cars to your policy. Just give AXA Assistance a call when you get your policy details through on 01737 815 597.

Q. What does the family travel insurance cover me for?

A. The policy is provided by AXA Travel Insurance. You and your family (provided they travel with you) are covered wherever and whenever you travel. You can use it as often as you wish throughout the year for as long as you have your smilemore current account. Unlike some policies, our worldwide family travel insurance also includes personal belongings, scuba diving, golf and winter sports protection. So whether you’re staying in the UK or planning to go further field, you can be sure that we’ve got everything covered.

Tell me more about my smilemore worldwide family travel insurance cover.

Q. When does the smilemore travel cover start?

A. From the date your smilemore account is confirmed open and you're covered whilst you continue to pay your monthly membership.

Q. What's the policy number for the family travel insurance?

A. The policy number for smilemore travel insurance is BANK092008. You'll need to have this to hand along with your smilemore account number if you need to make a claim.

Q. What's the emergency contact number for the travel insurance?

A.For medical emergencies whilst travelling, contact AXA Travel Insurance on (+44) 844 811 0926 if you're abroad, 0844 811 0926 if you're in the U.K.

Q. How do I make a claim?

A. If you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy please contact theAXA Travel Insurance claims line on 0844 811 0924.

Q. How is the money in my account protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?

A. smile is part of The Co-operative Bank, which is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which would pay compensation to eligible customers in the unlikely event of the Bank becoming insolvent. Find out more.