eSavings - frequently asked questions
We're currently experiencing really high volumes of calls and email enquiries which is resulting in some short delays.
If you've applied for a new savings account with us online, we have received your application and will be back in touch to complete the account setup as soon as we are able. Please review the FAQs below for the answer to your question and wait 48 hours after submitting your application before calling us by phone.
We apologise for this and appreciate your patience.
When can I withdraw?
For security reasons, withdrawals are not permitted during the first 14 days following receipt of your initial opening payment.
Dependent upon your account’s terms and conditions, you can only withdraw online by transferring money to a nominated bank or building society account.
There is a daily online withdrawal limit of £5,000 per account per day.
Please note, this refers to esavings accounts only and passbook accounts cannot be transacted upon online.
How do I withdraw to a bank account?
Once logged in, select the account you want to transfer out of from the home page. Then select ‘Make Withdrawal’ and follow the instructions on screen.
If you’ve not registered your nominated bank account details against your account you won’t be able to withdraw funds. You can send your bank details to us using the secure message facility on your profile home page and we’ll ensure they’re added to your account.
How do I make a withdrawal against a cheque?
Withdrawals against cheques paid into your account can be made on the sixth working day after it has been deposited with us. This is provided we have not received notice that it hasn’t cleared.
If a withdrawal is allowed and we receive notification that the cheque has been returned unpaid, we would require you to repay the funds as well as the Society’s unpaid cheque charge.
How do I pay into my account by bank transfer?
When you have received your verification code, you may use the following bank details to instruct your bank to send money to your Furness account by Faster Payment:
Sort code: 15 - 10 - 00
Account number: 23114065
Reference number: Your 9 digit Furness Account Number
Please remember some types of accounts (for example e-Bonds) do not allow money to be paid in after a certain date.
How do I pay into my account by cheque?
You can take a cheque to your local branch or send it via post to our Head Office:
Savings Hub
Furness Building Society
Emlyn Hughes House
Abbey Road
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 5PQ
Please make cheques payable to yourself and provide a covering letter containing your 9 digit Furness Account Number.
How do I pay cash into my account?
Please take cash you wish to pay into your account into your nearest branch.
Identity check: What is it and why do I need it?
When you register for Furness eSavings online, an online security and identity check is carried out that verifies your identity against a number of independent data sources.
This is for money laundering regulations and saves the majority of applications requiring paper identification.
Why might I be asked to send in identification?
If you’ve changed your name or moved address recently, the online identity check can sometimes not be carried out as your details cannot be found. It’s for this reason you may be asked to send in identification, so we can ensure the details you supply us with are correct.
What ID documents will I need to provide?
A full list of acceptable documents can be found in our customer ID guide.
Why do I need to provide proof of my identity?
When the Money Laundering Regulations became law in 1994, all banks and building societies had to put procedures in place to stop criminals from using them to launder unlawful money.
These procedures include the need to obtain proof of identity and address from anyone who wishes to open an account or buy a financial product or service.
Asking you to prove your identity does not mean you are under any suspicion. Taking identification helps to protect you and helps to prevent money laundering.
Can I register for online access using an email address I share with someone else?
For security reasons, Members who wish to access their accounts online must register using a unique email address that they don't share with anyone else.
Can I access my account immediately?
As part of your registration procedure, we’ll post a verification code to your registered address which will enable you to transact on your account.
Should you wish to access your account to view your details before you receive this code, you can login but will be unable to perform certain actions including withdrawing money and changing some of your personal and security details.
What is a username?
A username is a unique identifier for each customer that is required each time you log in. It will be issued in the first email to you following registration for online services.
Why do I need a password?
A password is a crucial piece of information that is used to identify an individual and ensure you are who you claim to be.
A password must be kept secret at all times and should never be written down, used for different services or be formed of something that is easy to associate with you i.e family names, birthdays etc.
Why do I need a memorable word?
A memorable word acts as an extra piece of security information to keep your details and your money safe. It also means that if you forget your username or password, you can reset these details yourself.
How do I change my personal details?
How do I change my name?
To change your name, please forward instruction together with witnessed supporting documentation i.e. marriage certificate to our Head Office at the following address:
Savings Hub
Furness Building Society
Emlyn Hughes House
Abbey Road
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 5PQ
How do I change my address?
To change your address, please forward instruction in writing together with proof of your new address i.e. utility bill to our Head Office at the following address:
Savings Hub
Furness Building Society
Emlyn Hughes House
Abbey Road
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 5PQ
How do I change my phone number, email address, password or secret word?
To change any of the above information, please visit the ‘My Profile’ page once you have logged in to your account. Remember to ‘save’ when you have changed your details.
How do I change my user name?
Your user name cannot be changed. If you forget it, use the ‘Forgotten Your Username’ link on the main login page and follow the instructions to receive a reminder email.
How do I change my bank account details or payment option for interest earned by my account?
To change your nominated bank account details or the payment option for interest earned by your account, please send instructions using the secure messaging facility on your profile’s home page.
We’ll then ensure they’re changed and will confirm to you that we’ve done this using the secure message service.
Please be aware that certain types of interest payment are not available for some account types. These will be detailed in the terms and conditions of your account.
How do I close an account?
Please send written, signed instruction to our Head Office at the following address:
Savings Hub
Furness Building Society
Emlyn Hughes House
Abbey Road
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 5PQ
Funds can only be sent to the nominated bank account you have registered and cannot be sent to another account or withdrawn by cheque.
You won’t be able to close your account online in the first 14 days following receipt of your initial opening payment for security reasons. You also won’t be able to close an account with closure / withdrawal restrictions - these will be detailed in the terms and conditions of the account.
How do I send a secure message?
Once you have registered for Furness eSavings online, log into your account and use the ‘Messages’ link at the top of the screen. Then type your query in the ‘Write Message’ box within the ‘Your Messages’ inbox. You won’t need to include any of your security details in a secure message.
We’ll send an email to your registered email address to inform you when you have a reply to your query. You can retrieve this by logging back into your account and accessing the ‘Your Messages’ inbox.
Am I able to speak to someone?
If you have a query that you would like to speak to us about or if you require further help, please call our investment team on 0800 781 4311.
We’re available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
What if I’ve forgotten my username?
Please use the ‘Forgotten Your Username’ on the main login page and follow the instructions to receive a reminder email.
What if I’ve forgotten my password?
Please use the ‘Forgotten Your Password’ links on the main login page. You’ll be prompted to enter characters from your memorable word and you’ll receive an email that will enable you to reset your password.
What if I’ve forgotten my memorable word?
You’ll have already entered your user name and password and have been taken to the page where your memorable word is required. Here, use the ‘Forgotten Your Memorable Word’ link and you’ll be prompted to re-enter your password to receive a reset email.
I’m struggling to access the e-Savings website, what should I do?
If you are struggling to access the site please call us on 0800 781 4311 and we’ll do our best to help you.
From time to time we’ll schedule maintenance that affects your access to Furness eSavings online. When we do this, we’ll give notice on the login screen and we’ll always aim to carry it out during quieter periods overnight.
I’m having difficulty viewing a PDF file, what should I do?
You may need to download Adobe Acrobat Software. This is free and can be accessed here: https://get2.adobe.com/uk/reader/
We cannot offer any support if you choose to install new software or update your PC or Apple Mac and you may need to seek advice from an IT professional.
What are cookies and why do I need to enable them?
You’ll find all the information you need to know about our cookie policy here.
How is my money kept safe online?
- We verify your identity when you register for Furness eSavings online. If this can’t be done electronically, we’ll ask for physical evidence. This reduces the risk of identity theft.
- We continually review our security systems to ensure the highest levels of safety are balanced with ease of use for our customers.
- We monitor transactions for suspicious activity.
- We’ll never ask you to give us your login details over the phone or in branch. We’ll ask other questions if we need to verify your identity.
What is a firewall?
This is a small programme that helps protect your computer and its contents from unauthorised access on the internet. When installed correctly, it stops unauthorised traffic to and from your computer.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a type of cybercrime that sees individuals contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution. The intention is to lure you into providing sensitive data such as banking and credit card details and passwords.
How can I protect myself from phishing?
- Ignore emails claiming to be from Furness Building Society that ask you to follow links to a site to confirm your online account security details. They may look like they’re from us but they’re fraudulent.
- If you think you’ve received a fraudulent email, please ring us on 0800 542 5411 and then delete it from your email account.
- Always check the authenticity of the Furness eSavings account by checking the security certificate. You can do this via the padlock symbol on your browser
- If you think you may have given away your security information, ring us immediately on 0800 542 5411.
- Keep your computer’s operating system and web browser updated.
You’ll find more information about how we protect you from fraud here.