Opening new bank account - solo card question..

Missy-B_3

Hello
I am currently in talks with CCCS and they have recommended opening a basic bank account.
I have applied for an account with HSBC and that seems to be going through.
They have offered me an account with a Solo Card.

Is there anyone out there that has a solo card too? Just wondering if it is like Switch or is it a debit card? Also - I dont' know whether I will get a cheque book - has anyone opened a basic bank account with HSBC who can help me?

I always pay for things with my current debit card and/or cheque book and I am worried about how I am going to cope if I can't pay for bills etc this way?
The debt I have is credit card and loan only and not through overdraft ( I never use my debit card when I don't have money - but sometimes write a cheque the day before pay day.....).

Can anyone offer any advice?
Thanks

CLAPTON

a basic bank account is one that does not allow any form of credit so they can be given to people who would fail normal credit checks...e.g. someone with payment defaults or a bankrupt can get a basic bank account.

however, what a bank chooses to give a specific person may differ form bank to bank or even person to person.

normally you do not get a debit card or a cheque book or a credit card, but you can set up DDs and can get some form of cash card which may be a
solo or electron card...these act like a debit card but you can only withdraw funds if you are in credit....some retail outlets will not accept them although many people find them ok.

I am not familar with HSBC but maybe you could phone them and ask.

james32_uk

It's worth telling them you're really disappointed to only get a Solo. Tell them you have a proper Switch/Visa Delta with your old bank and that you know for a fact that your local retailer you use doesnt accept them.

Worked for me!

Sea78

I was given a Solo card when i was a student - about 7 yrs ago now! - amnd I found quite a few places wouldn't take them, although I don't know if more asccept them now. I changed banks because they gave me this!! Maybe should have stuck with the solo card....

hth

Sea xx

gazza975526570

I previously had a solo and yeah its just like a normal debit card. i got one through natwest originally and think it had a £50 cheque guarantee limit. Id mention to them your not happy with what they have offered and you never know the may offer a visa/swith instead

MoaningMyrtle

We've got one from HSBC, it's a debit card where you can get cashback, it is not a cheque guarantee card and you c an't buy stuff off the internet. I'd say 90% of shops accept it, but it doesn't have a chip and pin, just a signature.

ozzyfan_2

Hi Missy-B

I got a basic bank account (Nat West step account) after CCCS recommended it. It has a chip & pin solo card & I've been able to use it online & has been accepted in all the shops I've used it in. No chequebook with the account though.

Good luck with your talks with CCCS

kar

Solo cards are now accepted in most shops and online you shouldn't have a problem with it and just think if they don't give you a cheque book then at least you know that you can't bounce a cheque.

Iwantmorecash

hi if you are getting a solo card with HSBC it is not a Basic bank account.

With the HSBC basic bank acc you only get a self service card (ATM ONLY).
If you have been awarded a Solo card you moust have passed the credit score for a current acc, but only scored for a solo card .

rkh001

Missy - I have a solo card and find that apart from a few places, most places on the high street and internet will accept it. I use mine as a debit card but you can't use to authorise any cheques. It can be used as an ATM card to withdraw cash as well.

Floss

Solo cards are commonly accepted in most places - the only petrol stations though are Tesco, where you can use it to pay at the pump.

You can pay through Paypal for anything on ebay, Teso, Sainsbury, Asda, Iceland, Somerfield and almost all high street stores take them

You won't be able to use it as a cheque guarantee card, and it will only allow you to spend money if it is cleared funds in your bank account, but you can pay bills & water rates etc at the Post Office with one.

I've had one for about 3 years - find it ok, but you need to become a bit of a bank-balance nerd so you know what you can spend in Asda! Can be a bit embarassing when you have to put half your shopping back coz your bank won't authorise $14.63!

Good luck with HSBC - Solo cards are ok, honest!