We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Budgeting & bank accounts

Archives for September 2013

UK banking for Americans
As my family and I frequently travel to the UK, I've been doing a good amount of research into a US citizen resident in the US trying to open a UK current account, and not turned up much. Barclay's seem to require that you have financial ties to the UK (though I'm not clear on this), and other banks are confusing on the…
Barclay Card blocked
So for the 3rd time or so, my card has been blocked. I think it's because I have been using it quite a bit over the passed few days and today used it at University, online and in a different city (not that far from my university though). Last time this happened, my Mother rang a number, which was an automated call on the…
first direct account
I can't quite make out whether I'm eligible to open a first direct account. It says in order to not pay the monthly charge of £10 a month you need to pay in at least £1000 a month or maintain balance of £1000 a month. Does this mean I can still open an account as normal with the £250 0% overdraft included, even if I don't…
New account switching service - have to close old account?
Under the new switching system it seems you are generally forced to close the old account whether you want to or not. Today part way through switch we told old bank (lloyds) we don't want account to close and they said it is not in their power to keep it open if new bank requests closure. Is this true, can the old bank not…
Suggestions for a basic bank account - but with a cheque book
Hi I wonder if someone would be able to suggest a bank account for my partner. She is looking for an account with the following:* A debit card * A cheque book & paying in book (she gets paid some money by cheque) * Online banking * Mobile phone app (at least for checking her balance) She works part time and earns about…
4 Person Joint Current Account
HI, Does anyone know if any banks will open a current account with 4 account holders, Santander will only open with a maximum of 2. Thanks
Halifax Debt.
I had an Halifax Utimate reward account, with Overdraft. I fell behind with repayments to this as I fell into financial difficulties. This debt is being repayed back via a debt managment plan (i am aware of fee's before someone brings that up) The question I would like answered tho, Although I have a debt on that…
Lloyds Bank Monthly Interest
I am clearly being blind here. http://www.lloydsbank.com/current-accounts.asp?WT.ac=SNCA1012 So if I have £3000 in an account, and it pays 2.9% gross per month, that means I will get £87 a month in interest alone? I am missing something here. What is it?
**urgent advice needed**
Hi All I really need some urgent advice regards a continuous payment authority! Last week my partner instructed the Natwest to cancel a CPA regards a to a payday loan(no she's not cancelled it with the lender yet) so no advice regards that please! Now, when she went to cancel this the bank said because it is a Visa debit…
FD switch to Santander 123 - problems!
I'm currently in the long drawn out process of trying to switch from FD to Santander 123. With a mortgage from Santander plus plenty of DDs to earn cashback on it seemed worth taking the hit on customer service... Anyway, I set up the new account with Santander on Sept 18th and got the debit cards and chequebooks through…
Changing Address
Basically I need to change my address for my "old" bank account that has an outstanding overdraft, I also have 2 bank loans and a couple of credit cards with the same bank that are all (as of this month) going to default, as we had to move and circumstances have changed. I have opened a new basic account with another bank.…
returning a bank transfer
A day or so ago I got a transfer into my account from someone I don't know. I've not sold anything and taken it as payment so I can only assume that it's been done by mistake. Does anyone know if I can call the bank and ask them to return the payment to sender? A little worried about it and I'd just rather it went to where…
Overdraft - Which bank?
Are there any high street banks that will not allow you to exceed your overdraft? By that I mean if you try to spend or withdraw money your card will be declined?
Bank Account
Hi, I'm with Barclays and i've got a Barclays Bank Account, i hate his online banking it's horrible and i need a good bank with offices because i'm not interested in first direct or think money i want a bank to go to the offices to solve any problem. Can you give me alternatives to Barclays and explain me what its the best…
Cash Plus
If anyone is thinking of using these guys (https://www.cashplus.co.uk), have a good hard think, they've been a terrible experience with me so far. Opened up a business account with them, they sent the card and details to our registered company address even though I filled in my home address for the delivery section. Waited…
Any bonuses for self employed?
Hi all, My mother is self employed, and is potentially looking to switch banks. Looking at the best bank account on the site, most of them require a minimum payment per month and I remember seeing that these have to be paid in directly by the employer, rather than cash/cheque. She also has some money to save so the…
card transaction
i'm not sure if this is in the right thread so move it if needs be. Last saturday i purchased a car from an auction for a pretty large sum of money,i paid by debit card and it all went through fine with no problems as i had suffecent funds in that account. this week i noticed that the money had been set aside in my account…
Problem with debit card
I have a maestro debit card with Danske Bank, A couple of days ago I tried to use it for a purchase in a retail store and it was rejected due to incorrect pin. The store allowed me to sign for the purchase. I thought this was maybe a glitch or something with their machine but when I tried to withdraw cash from an atm…
Who Do You Bank With (and why)?
Hot on the heels of Martin's appearance on TV about banking, who do you consider your "main" bank account to be with? I realise people spread their money between banks, have six different current accounts and what not but there must be one that stands slightly above the rest. I currently bank with HSBC for my main current…
Natwest Rant!!
Hi all, So I logged on to my sh*twest banking app to check my funds etc and noticed a £6 charged had been applied dated the 6th September. Checked all my statements (I have a bills account with them too) and I wasn't overdrawn on the 6th. Did some more digging and have now found on my Select Account it says if you use more…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

View All

Budgeting & bank accounts

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Budgeting & bank accounts

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free