Barclays International Banking Help Please!

pappuyogs

Hi All,

I have an International Students Banking Account which I opened when I came to the UK as a student in January 2004. I completed my Degree a couple of years back and since then I have been in full time employment with my salary being paid into my account. I have a Visa Connect Debit Card with a Cheque Guarantee. in 2005, I was I applied for a BarclayCard and I got it with a Credit Limit of £5000 which has subsequently increased to £6700. I have never missed any payments and neither has my Bank Account over drawn or gone in red at any point.

A year back, I tried changing my International Students current account to a Regular Barclays Account. I was told that I have to open a regular account directly with the Bank and when I did this, I was refused as I failed my Credit Checks. I did obtain a credit report, but couldn't find anything wrong on my file. I didn't bother much and totally forgot about it.

A couple of days back, I got a letter from Barclays saying there would be changes to the International Students Account and I would be liable for a monthly charge (Ranging from £5 to £10 Per Month) to continue using it. All my direct debits are set up on this account and I dont really want to change my Bank Account at this point. Also, I dont want to open a new account which only gives me a cash card with no cheque guarantee. I have tried explaining this to Barclays, but they say that I have to open another account and move my account.

Just wondering what benefits I would get from a Regular Account against an International Account. Also, is it worth transferring the Account to a different bank including my credit card. Since Barclays cannot offer me a basic service of transferring from International to Regular despite having sufficient evidence of my transactions, I no longer have the inclination to continue with Barclays?

Many thanks!

Mrembo

Open another bank account and don't be sucked into paying for an account that will offer you some benefits.Only sign up for a fee paying account whose benefits you will use and are the cheapest in the market comparable to the monthly fee you will be paying the bank.

What benefits did you get from your international account?

pappuyogs

Hello Mrembo,

Many thanks for the reply. In terms of benefits, cant think of any other than a Debit Card with check guarantee. Was thinking of opening an account with HSBC. Is it difficult to open a new current account?

Extant

If there are no issues on your credit report, I'd suggest appealing the decision - since it doesn't sound right.

Mrembo

It is very easy to open a current account.You just need a form of id.Most businesses are no longer accepting cheques;it is slowly dying away.

I am happy with first direct there is a minimum amount of money you have to pay in each month to avoid the fee or alternatively open a savings account or apply for first direct credit card. to avoid the charge.

First direct is on-line account only although cheques can be deposited at hsbc.I highly recommend first direct UK call centre and most calls are answered within 3 rings by a human being not a machine.

I don't work for firstdirect and i must point out that they will pay you £100 within 6 months if you deposit your wages of 1500 quid or more.

pappuyogs

Thanks people. I will check with First Direct.

Regards