Please recommend no hassle account

Norfolk_Jim

I have a friend with debt problems. They wanted to get another current account before closing their existing bank account they are not happy with. All they want is an account with a debit card. It can be on line or in branch, makes no difference. I suggested a couple of banks / building societies but none would consider it.
They do not require any kind of overdraft facility or even a cheque guarantee card, just a debit card so they can buy online.
I know you can get pre paid cards but these have a fee dont they? Also they want to do like me and try some of the gamble loophole and bingo ideas that you see on the other message boards and I'm not sure if you can refund back to a pre pay card in the same way as a regular debit card.
I'd like to be able to suggest an account she can apply for without too much risk of a knockback but I'm out of ideas.
Can anyone recommend a no frills account with a debit card please?

Sharon87

They don't need a current account for an account with a debit card. Get an account like Halifax Easycash or equivilant from other banks. These should be easy to get as they're designed for people with not very good credit rating and they seem just like what they want.

Extant

Pretty much every bank will offer some sort of basic current account under the premise of "universal banking."

The FSA gives a list of different options here: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/HTML/en/products/bank_accounts/basic_bank_accounts_popup.htm

Any of those would be best to go for, you'd have to decide based on who's closer/charges/blah blah. As an aside, the "easier" ones to get are Barclays and the Co-Op, as we/they will take pretty much anyone.

rb10

As long as they are not an undischarged bankrupt or have only been discharged during the past six months, they should be able to get the Halifax Easycash http://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/easycash.asp

I know they are very accommodating with who they will take, but as most, if not all, banks have a 'basic' account they should be able to get one of these.

Norfolk_Jim

Thanks everyone, I've passed on the suggestions and she will try the Halifax one and see how that goes.