Getting a bank account while on benefits?

Arcana

My friend has not worked for like 8 years - he's got cancer, and AFAIK he doesn't have a bank account. He tells me that the banks he's been to, Barclays being one of them, won't let him open an account as he doesn't have an income. And of course, it's not that likely he'll get a job soon. So, is there really no banks out there which will provide an account to people on incapacity benefits - with no immediate chance of getting a job?

tori.k

why not suggest a postoffice bank account,i dont know why Barclays wouldnt let him open an account, could be another sign of the times...as i opened one just for my TC and child benefit, my wages are still paid in a cash paypacket

Zara33

Arcana wrote: »

My friend has not worked for like 8 years - he's got cancer, and AFAIK he doesn't have a bank account. He tells me that the banks he's been to, Barclays being one of them, won't let him open an account as he doesn't have an income. And of course, it's not that likely he'll get a job soon. So, is there really no banks out there which will provide an account to people on incapacity benefits - with no immediate chance of getting a job?

Seriously he can't open a simple basic bank account...strange

dmg24

I wonder if he is either trying to open an account with enhanced facilities (overdraft, Visa debit card) and/ or he has a poor credit rating. If so, the Post Office or Halifax should allow him to open a basic account.

Snook_2

I had a problem with this aswell. Most banks offer some kind of basic cash account for paying in benefits etc, but I was refused for alot of them.

Try Halifax - Easycash account. You get a Visa Electron, they seem pretty easy to get. I am in receipt of benefits atm and they gave me one..two infact.

I hear Co-op can be pretty good too.

looby75

I've not met many people who haven't been allowed to open a Co-op cashminder account

It's a very basic account and it designed for people who have had debt problems or live on benefits. Has your friend tried there?

hippy-chicy

We come accross this quite a lot at work especially as people now have to have a bank account to receive their housing benefit.

Your friend should be able to open a basic bank account.

The main reasons for being refused a basic bank account are if you have been declared bankrupt or if you have been invloved in fraud. Some of them will look at CCJ's and if you have a history of bad debts etc.

Saying that, I think it is the the coop cashminder account that will accept you even if you have been declared bankrupt. I'd have to double check though as we have a pamphlet at work which was put together with the help of the local banks. Quite useful really as it lists all the reasons why you might not be accepted and the evidence they require for you to open the account.

Post office accounts are ok but they are not exactly convenient and some benefits (i.e HB) cant be paid into them . They are also not great if you need access your money after 5pm or at a weekend ( or after 1pm on a Wednesday at my local PO)!

The basic accounts dont offer overdrafts etc. You can set up standing orders. Some will even allow direct debits but will close the account if more than three are returned unpaid in a specific time (i know Natwest do this) and normally (I think i read but could be wrong so dont quote me) their charges are a little less harsh than for normal accounts .

I would try a few different providers as apart from the above there shouldn't really be a problem. You may find some refuse him but there will be one out there who will accept him.

natasha-lucy

strange i opened a basic bank account with barclays last week and my only income is IB & DLA. previous to this i had one with hsbc just changed to barclays as they offer a visa debit card with their basic bank account.

number6_2

i got a current account with rbs (key account) with no bother applying online and im on IB.no o/draft facility but you do get a debit card

Arcana

Thanks for all the suggestions people. Since it's HB I guess the post office account is out of the question, but I'll suggest both the Halifax and Co-op account.

richard9991

Arcana wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions people. Since it's HB I guess the post office account is out of the question, but I'll suggest both the Halifax and Co-op account.

lloyds tsb is a good bank and you get a visa debit card (not electron thingy)