Nationwide flex/current account

Scotty123_2 · 9 July 2005 at 11:59AM

As soon as I turned 18 (last november), I applied for a flex account as I really needed a debit card. I didn't have a job at the time as I was still in college and they refused me a debit card (I am sure you wouldn't need a job for a debit card..it only takes out what you have in there..=/ ). Which was a shame but oh well.

Now after college finished in June, I am working full time and thought about trying again for a debit card. I went into the branch, couldn't understand the lady behind the desk heh. Only words I could make out were overdraft and application form - she gave me a new application form.

So what is the process on upgrading an account? Do you have to basically open a new account?

I never used the flex account as I had no reason to without the debit card. I do however have a savings account with them, I have had it for about 10 years I think and there is always money in it.

I don't see why though you would need a job for a debit card, credit cards yes to show you can pay back but quite a few people I know with other banks have no jobs and have those solo cards, I think they even got them before they were 18 :eek: . Do you have to have an overdraft facility with the debit card from NW too? I would much rather if no money, then nothing happens then it going into negative

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jimmyjim_uk · 9 July 2005 at 12:26PM

Scotty123 wrote:

I don't see why though you would need a job for a debit card, credit cards yes to show you can pay back but quite a few people I know with other banks have no jobs and have those solo cards, I think they even got them before they were 18 :eek: . Do you have to have an overdraft facility with the debit card from NW too? I would much rather if no money, then nothing happens then it going into negative .

You can overdrawn with a debit card, it might be unauthorised but you are still spending the banks money. If they gave debit card account to people without jobs, they could run up a massive overdrawn debt and wouldn't be able to pay it back.

I get the impression you can't go overdrawn with a solo card because they check your account to see if the funds are available, no funds no transaction. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Scotty123_2 · 9 July 2005 at 12:30PM

I am after a debit card where say you buy something for 6 pounds, but you only have 4 pounds in the bank, it doesn't work, you don't go into -2 then owe the bank money.

hornblower · 9 July 2005 at 12:30PM

I was in a similar situation to you until this Wednesday. I popped into my branch and asked the friendly lady at the counter if I could get my plain old cash card upgraded to a debit card.

I was referred to another friendly lady at a desk and she told me that I had to open a new account if I wanted a full debit card. She did this all for me and I was granted an overdraft in the process - an overdraft which I do not plan on using by the way. Just today I received confirmation of my overdraft, and my new debit card and cheque book will be arriving shortly. My existing account with the basic cash card is still active; I intend on closing that after my new account has been set up.

jimmyjim_uk · 9 July 2005 at 12:37PM

Scotty123 wrote:

I am after a debit card where say you buy something for 6 pounds, but you only have 4 pounds in the bank, it doesn't work, you don't go into -2 then owe the bank money.

Then go for a Solo card. If you have a Visa or Switch (Maestro) Debit Card and do that the chances are they will let the transaction go through, and that is tried and tested mate, charges incurred the lot!!!

Scotty123_2 · 9 July 2005 at 12:45PM

hornblower wrote:

I was in a similar situation to you until this Wednesday. I popped into my branch and asked the friendly lady at the counter if I could get my plain old cash card upgraded to a debit card.

I was referred to another friendly lady at a desk and she told me that I had to open a new account if I wanted a full debit card. She did this all for me and I was granted an overdraft in the process - an overdraft which I do not plan on using by the way. Just today I received confirmation of my overdraft, and my new debit card and cheque book will be arriving shortly. My existing account with the basic cash card is still active; I intend on closing that after my new account has been set up.

I was given an application form. One of the options on it is 'do you require a flexaccount overdraft facility'. The lady I could barely understand in the branch said something about an overdraft so I was thinking perhaps you have to tick yes on this box to have a card? They will not let you have one if you do not apply for an overdraft facility?

Main reason I am concerned for cards that will let you go into negative is incase someone else gains access to it and makes me go into the -thousands :eek:

mancitychick · 9 July 2005 at 1:51PM

Nationwide informed me that you can no longer upgrade the basic flex account, you have to apply for a new account. So I suggest you apply for a new account and whether you say yes or no to an overdraft should have no impact on the outcome of their decision to give you a debit card.

Although as you have no job they are unlikely to give you an overdraft and possible may decline your debit card application due to lack of job.

I have found Nationwide to be fairly fussy who they give debit card etc.. facilities to.

One other thing to bare in mind if you choose to go for a bank which offers solo, the solo card is not accepted in as many places/shop as say a visa debit/switch card is.

Scotty123_2 · 9 July 2005 at 4:19PM

I said I now work full time since college has finished

. My friend who works part time (so earns less than me) got a debit card from NW with a 250pounds overdraft limit, so I am hoping I will be okay.

Midas · 9 July 2005 at 4:25PM

It sounds like Nationwide are being a bit silly about this. Most banks give Solo/Electron cards to virtually anybody as they only authorise transactions if the money is actually available. I myself got a Solo card at 16 (and I didn't have a job as I was still at school!) and I don't think that is uncommon.

As you are working you should be able to get a Maestro/Visa Debit cheque guarantee card without any problem, unless you have a poor credit history.

If they do reject you, check your credit records.

Scotty123_2 · 9 July 2005 at 4:32PM

Poor credit history? I have only had a savings account..never borrowed money, never gone into debt or overdrawn. Only card I own is one for the ATM machine

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GlennTheBaker · 9 July 2005 at 7:30PM

Scotty123 wrote:

Poor credit history? I have only had a savings account..never borrowed money, never gone into debt or overdrawn. Only card I own is one for the ATM machine .

That in itself may be the problem in that having never had an overdraft or any kind of credit facility, you have no credit history!

Nationwide flex/current account

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