Alliance & Leicester Premier Current - how can I get it?

squirrelia

I really want to open the A&L Premier Current account to make use of the 0% overdraft, but not sure I will be able to get it. These are my circumstances (below) - wondering if anyone can tell me how and when is the best time to apply to ensure I'm accepted and get the typical 0% overdraft..

Have been unemployed for three months while job hunting in London. Have a new job, with salary, starting on 18th August.

Living with girlfriend - she owns the house - but not currently paying her rent or registered at this address as have had no money.

Have moved around a lot in the last 5 years - was at uni from 03-06, moved each year, and moved twice since then, although my banking has always been done thru parents' address, all statements have always been sent there.

Overdrawn £1500 in HSBC account. Just started paying interest on the whole lot

If you need to know anything else please ask. I'm counting on getting this account so I can pay off my HSBC overdraft.

Thanks,
E

PROLIANT

You may struggle unfortunately as you are not working, technically you have a job and you could put on the application time with employer as 1 month and include your new annual salary, as long as you have a good credit record you might get the facilities you require, the account itself is easy to get with a clean file but the high overdraft is the awkward one, if they knock you back why don't you apply for an MBNBA credit card with 0% on balance transfers and do a "super balance transfer" in to the HSBC account to pay off the O/D with them? Just another option for you to try.

squirrelia

Thanks for that. So do you think I should wait until I have my first paycheck in the bank before applying for this account to prove my income?

beer_tins

You should be OK as long as you don't have bad credit history (see below). They may require proof of your job e.g. your acceptance letter with salary. RE: the overdraft I moved mine no problem (1800 limit) but they asked me to send proof of my overdraft facility (I sent them a bank statement which they accepted). PM me if you want any other details about my application...

From their website:

To continue with your application, please make sure the following apply.

* You are at least 21 years of age.

* You live in the UK permanently for tax purposes. We do not accept applications from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

* You can pay at least £500 a month into your account.

* You do not have a history of bad credit (in other words, county court judgements or bankruptcy).

* You will use Internet Banking to manage your money and view your transactions regularly so you do not need monthly paper statements.

* You do not currently hold a Premier Direct Current Account and have not held one in the three months before this application.


You will need the following information when filling in your application.

* All the addresses you have lived at for the last five years (including postcodes).

* Your existing current account details (if these apply).

* Your e-mail address.

* Your employment or college details.

squirrelia

That's really helpful thanks.

Just one more thing - if they do reject my application, does it go against my credit score?

beer_tins

It gets marked as a "search", but shouldn't negatively affect you unless you apply for something else very soon. Generally, you shouldn't go applying for loads of financial products within a short time period, whether you are accepted or not.