switching bank account to a basic account

rootofallevil

Hello All,
to ensure that my bank don't take all my wages for the debt i have with them,i've been told to set up a new account. I've got an idea now of which banks to avoid but would appreciate advice on which ones to use. ideally i would like a joint account into which we could both pay our wages. as our credit rating is now shot to pieces due to default notices, does anyone have any advice where we should go?again ideally, a bank who doesn't carry out credit checks for a basic account. so far i'm told that the nat west solo account may be mour best option, anyone tried this??

fatbelly

Have you seen the FSA booklet with a table of the basic accounts?

It's available as a pdf file (hope this works) on

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/pdfs/bank_account.pdf

It may be a case of shopping around but Co-op gets some good mentions in postings on this site.

Best wishes

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southernscouser

I'm afraid I don't know too much about what banks but I have also heard that a few people get accepted for the basic Natwest one. Think it's called the Step Account. You only get a Solo card, no cheque book or overdraft but you don't want them anyway!

Good luck.

ozzyfan_2

I got accepted for a step account with no problem, I applied online & didn't have to take id in though I'm not sure if they do a credit check.

Solo cards are alot better than electron cards as they are accepted in more places.

good luck

kevker

I have a natwest solo. Natwest were excellent at setting it up. You get a solo card, which is accepted anywhere you see the maestro sign, so most places that accept switch accept the solo card. You can pay direct debits and standing orders from the account as well, and you can access your statements online, although you don't have internet banking.

RVK2

I have this account, works for me, although I do miss not having a cheque book sometimes.

THE_LONE_RANGER_4

all banks are supposed to offer you a basic bank account if requested i have 2 one with natwest and one with yorkshire bank ,i pay wages in to one and transfer a certain ammount to the yorkshire where all bt dd sa are based ive had them for two years great always being in credit ,i would also suggest you join a credit union i use this for saving and cheap borrowing savings in credit union currently £1000 which alows me to borrow up to £3000 if needs must join one

LILLYBET

Dont know which is best for basic account - I am with Nationwide and it's "ok" - BUT DO NOT OPEN A JOINT ACCOUNT WHATEVER YOU DO.
Your credit ratings are joined at the hip if you do and it has disastrous effects on everything! At least if you have your own accounts you can start to set things right individually. See something on this site about Joint Accounts by Martin.
My poor credit rating prevented my OH getting credit and a new debit card, etc. We separated - banking that is - and he is OK now. Me, I am sorting myself out slowly.
Do miss a cheque book though. Cant have one yet but getting there.

poppy52

Co-op cashminder account is an excellent basic bank account (unless you owe debts to Smile with whom they are associated). You get an electron card, customer service is very good, and there is internet banking for DDs, SOs etc.