best current account for poor credit

sdavies1972

Hi all,

I am working full-time and was with Smile, who stopped my debit card as I was over my overdraft limit due to their charges (I am planning on reclaiming them). I have tried to open a different account, but am having trouble due to a combination of a bad credit rating and lack of proof of address (Nationwide would not accept a combination of tenancy agreement, a letter from the BBC and my payslip).

I have been considering opening an account with Think Banking, which carry out no credit checks and say they will accept anyone, yet they charge a one-off set up fee of £25 plus a monthly charge of £12.50. What are people's opinions of this and does anyone know of a better/cheaper option? I really need to open an account soon. My wages are currently going into someone else's account. Thanks in advance.

Sara

Kavanne

You could try basic accounts such as Natwest STEP, Coop Cashminder, Halifax Easycash... the list goes on. i guess if you want a Maestro card then the Think one might be appropriate for you but if you are happy with Solo or Visa electron then one of the other free accts would be fine.

I also remember reading on here that Yorkshire Bank offer a basic current account that has a Maestro card.

JPizzle

I would try other places before you try one that charges you. It'll depend on how bad your credit rating is as to who will accept you.

There's plenty of basic accounts, like Natwest Step, Yorkshire/Clydesdale Readycash, Barclays Cash Card, Alliance and Leiceser current account (not premier), HSBC basic bank account, Abbey basic (or normal) current account.

The list goes on. Nearly every bank will have a basic account, so you should look through to see what's the best for you before you go for one where you have to pay.

sdavies1972

Thanks, but as I said, I don't seem to have anything they'll accept as proof of address. I have a passport for ID, but no driving licence, no bank statements, utilities are included in my rent so no bills, and I only have a mobile phone. I have a tenancy agreement and medical card, but these don't seem to be acceptable. Any ideas?

sarah_smurf

Do you have any kind of catalogue with your name and address on? As a friend opened an account after bankrupcy and they accepted passport and catalogue statement. Could they be able to accept something that you have if you explain the problem?

JPizzle

Do you not get bills sent to your house, even though you are a tenant?

But anyway, Lloyds TSB cash account only needs a passport or driving licenece, you only need proof of address if you can't provide one of these.

http://www.lloydstsb.com/stand_alone/proof_id.asp < link to ID
http://www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/cash_account.asp < link to account

I opened an account at Lloyds in May, and I only needed a passport, no address proof was asked for

kiravon

I need an extra account for crossfiring purposes to boost my credit score. Ive got several accounts but only three cheque book accounts and one is HSBC who are wise to crossfiring. You really need at least three chequebook accounts to crossfire in a believable way. So anyone got any good ideas how to get a chequebook account with adverse credit ( moderate) creditsolveuk and CSS sell them for 49.00 supposedly but I would rather not pay. any ideas anyone? regards mike

AceCobra1

What is crossfiring ?

MissyD_2

AceCobra1 wrote: »

What is crossfiring ?

Ditto!!!!
Do tell........;)

richard9991

ive got bad credit and just opened lloyds/tsb classic account with cheque book and visa not electron debit card

abc

AceCobra1 wrote: »

What is crossfiring ?

I think crossfiring is also known as cheque kiting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_fraud#Cheque_kiting