Bank accounts for bad credit & benefits?

MrsE_2

If you are on benefits do you HAVE to have a bank account?

Do they pay any in cash?

Assuming you have to have an account, there is a PO one that you can't have anyone except benefits pay any money into isn't there, a bit like a benefits only saver account?

If you need a bank account & are uncredit worthy what accounts are an option to you?

Is the Barclays one an option? Any others?
Ones that you can get money from other sources paid in.

What sort of ID do you need to open accounts, apart from passport?

Are some easier than others for ID? (I'm thinking about people who don't have lots of ID).

karenx

Yes you need a bank account, when applying for housing benefit etc they need copies of statements
I think the post office account is just a basic one

MrsE_2

karenx wrote: »

Yes you need a bank account, when applying for housing benefit etc they need copies of statements
I think the post office account is just a basic one

Its not for me, its to do with work.

It would be a great help if someone can answer all my questions.

Thank you.

wornoutmumoftwo

I have a basic account with the RBS (natwest) and have had no problems - I receive CTC only but OH works and gets wtc.

I applied online and didn't get asked to show id. Got a solo card no overdrafts allowed on this account.

You can set up standing orders, dd's and get money paid in.

DX2

MrsE wrote: »

If you are on benefits do you HAVE to have a bank account? No you can have a PO account.

Do they pay any in cash? No you may get a giro but they prefer bank account or PO account.

Assuming you have to have an account, there is a PO one that you can't have anyone except benefits pay any money into isn't there, a bit like a benefits only saver account?
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/portal/po/content1?catId=19100189&mediaId=19900206

If you need a bank account & are uncredit worthy what accounts are an option to you?

Is the Barclays one an option? Any others?
Ones that you can get money from other sources paid in.

What sort of ID do you need to open accounts, apart from passport? Driving licence and utility bills

Are some easier than others for ID? (I'm thinking about people who don't have lots of ID).

In red best I can atm.

skylight

The Co-Op tend to take almost anyone with a bad credit rating. They have a very good Cashminder account - a basic account with online facilities, direct debits/standing orders, debit card but no cheque book or overdraft facilities.

MrsE_2

skylight wrote: »

The Co-Op tend to take almost anyone with a bad credit rating. They have a very good Cashminder account - a basic account with online facilities, direct debits/standing orders, debit card but no cheque book or overdraft facilities.

I haven't seen any co-op banks on the high street?

MrsE_2

gilerachick wrote: »

A post Office Card account is the most basic account you can get. It is for benefit deposits only, and there is no deposit/ overdaft/ DD facility. It would not be available for business purposes.

Its not for business, its social services. But we can't pay into those benefit only po accounts.

Loopy_Girl

Have not all banks GOT to offer a very basic bank account? Even for the most uncredit worthy of people..I think that was put into place when they got rids of the books.

Why don't you post this on the Bankruptcy board Mrs E...they will be well clued up on what banks do and don't and what are good etc;)

MrsE_2

Loopy_Girl wrote: »

Have not all banks GOT to offer a very basic bank account? Even for the most uncredit worthy of people..I think that was put into place when they got rids of the books.

Why don't you post this on the Bankruptcy board Mrs E...they will be well clued up on what banks do and don't and what are good etc;)

I wanted a clear answer on the benefits question, does everyone on benefits have a bank account?

Loopy_Girl

MrsE wrote: »

I wanted a clear answer on the benefits question, does everyone on benefits have a bank account?

Oooh sorry.

All I can remember is that I was on IS when they were phasing out the books and we got a letter with a list of banks and it stated that everyone had the right to open a bank account irrespective of their credit history hence why most (all?) the banks have a very bog standard take money in and out and pay DD's with but with no overdraft.

EDIT...for ID for a basic bank account, I think a letter from the DWP and a utility bill would be fine. Unless they open online and they may not even be asked. And of course the PO account which is basically the same as the books as you go to the PO every week and draw the cash