Poor Credit Bank Account

Emma_Salmon

Hi,

I am wondering if I can get some advice. I have an account with Nationwide, only a flex account as I cannot get a debit card account as my credit is poor. I am in the process of improving that with the cashplus card and I have recently started a budget spreadsheet. The only thing is I want to open another account to have my salary paid into and then use the flex account to pay all my bills (which are all set up) but as you cannot have two flex accounts with Nationwide I need to find another bank to open one with.

I know my credit rating is low and I don't need a debit card (though this would be nice) but I don't want to risk trying to open accounts with people for them to put a check on my credit report if they are going to refuse my anyway. Oh and I don't need an overdraft either.

So... Any recommendations as to who I can open an account with?

Thanks in advance,
Emma

robin_banks

Nat West step account comes with a solo debit card and a £10 'overdraft'.

Emma_Salmon

Thanks for the info, the only issue with Natwest is that I have a dormant joint account with an ex (he refuses to sign the documents to close the account). I am wondering if I open an account with them it will re-activate this account and connection to him?

robin_banks

Ask at a branch

book12

You need a basic bank account, details here: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

Natwest Step account is included in that website. I

I would recommend Barclays Cash Card Account.

robin_banks

book12 wrote: »

You need a basic bank account, details here: http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

Natwest Step account is included in that website. I

I would recommend Barclays Cash Card Account.

Do Barclays provide a card you can use at non-Barclays cashpoints, I remember a thread in here somewhere that said that was the case.

sutton111

robin_banks wrote: »

Do Barclays provide a card you can use at non-Barclays cashpoints, I remember a thread in here somewhere that said that was the case.

Yes. It's a Visa debit card.

sutton111

I would also recommend the Barclays cash account as well.

I have an account with Natwest I've had it for years. I think the Barclays one is better as the debit card is more widely accepted compared to the Solo at Natwest.

See here for the Barclays cash account for more information.

book12

robin_banks wrote: »

Do Barclays provide a card you can use at non-Barclays cashpoints, I remember a thread in here somewhere that said that was the case.

This has changed now. As sutton111, said it offers a debit card now. Make sure you tick the box that says Connect card if you are applying by post. If applying in branch, say you want a Connect card with it.

No credit scoring/checks are done. Only ID/address checks.

Be prepared for long account openings for this account though, they are having a backlog at the moment. It's worth waiting.

In my opinion, this is one of the best basic bank accounts around!

Emma_Salmon

Thanks a lot for all the info, just a basic account is all I need. Barclays looks like the best bet but is showing you can only open the account in branch.

book12

Emma_Salmon wrote: »

Thanks a lot for all the info, just a basic account is all I need. Barclays looks like the best bet but is showing you can only open the account in branch.

This is correct. It can't be applied online.