Nationwide Flex Account

Scotsgirl

Just thought I would mention that today we went to our local Nationwide branch to open a basic account which we had been advised to do by the CCCS, after going through the system other half was refused because of the scoring on his credit check.

Asked why this was when all he wanted was a basic account for his salary to go in and standing orders/direct debits, no overdraft, they then informed us that since January 2005 they no longer open accounts without doing a credit check.

Just posting this to let others know, we are in Scotland so do not know if this will apply elsewhere.

garyclay

I think you'll find the advisor has scored you for the full facility flex account as they get points towards their targets!

If the application was for a cash card only account (basic bank account) then the check is a simply identity check. But the advisors don't get any points for this.

I'd refer this to the branch manager or head office in Swindon.

searchingforlight

I agree with garyclay. We've just opened a Nationwide Flex Account following the advice from CCCS and it went through okay and our credit rating is colder than the Arctic. We had to produce ID and as far as I was aware that was the only check they did. They shouldn't be credit checking on a basic cash account (although I have a feeling somewhere in the 'small print' there is something which says they reserve the right to refuse/credit check etc.). Worth referring to the manager, especially as you will be paying in a regular amount.

westernpromise

Scotsgirl wrote:

Just thought I would mention that today we went to our local Nationwide branch to open a basic account which we had been advised to do by the CCCS, after going through the system other half was refused because of the scoring on his credit check.

Asked why this was when all he wanted was a basic account for his salary to go in and standing orders/direct debits, no overdraft, they then informed us that since January 2005 they no longer open accounts without doing a credit check.

Just posting this to let others know, we are in Scotland so do not know if this will apply elsewhere.

You could try Smile. My OH was able to open an account with them despite having no income (SAHM) without a problem. Being part of the Co-Op I think they take a more charitable view than most of people in difficult circumstances.

ioscorpio

Smile are strick as well, because their terms are better than the Co-op's, you would be better off applying for a Co-op account than a Smile account if you have a bad credit rating.

I had a large amount of cash in a Co-op pathfinder account for a number of years and then applied for a Smile Bank account, but was only given an electron card until I complained and they then sent me a debit card.

BWZN93

All current accounts are credit scored at Nationwide, just as they are in all banks and building societies. Only savings accounts are id checked only. The reason is that the computer system for current accounts and credit cards are through a credit checking system, and the savings are through the older style id check only system. There is no way that the current/credit facilities can be offered in the old system.

TBH - its not worth going to the branch manager or to HO, the points garyclay refers to are successful opened accounts, points are not earned for simply scoring an application and therefore there is no incentive for the advisor's to attempt a full facility account if the applicants were fully and truly honest. They will tell you the same and I seriously doubt that the advisor did anything wrong with the application.

Also - all flex accounts are treated the same during the application process, it is the system that tells the advisor at the end what facilities can be offered - the choice is there for those that are able to have full facility accounts but wish to 'downgrade' themselves to cheque or cash card facilities only.

Finally, if you do disagree with the decision, then you have a right to appeal and it will be looked over and all the information looked over by a human, but it often doesnt make any difference. Have you thought of trying the Post Office?? They are supposed to be good for cash card only accounts...

Jo xx