Basic bank account: HSBC

barbiedoll

My husband and I are starting our DMP soon and we went to HSBC today with a filled-in application form for their basic bank account. On the form was the question "Do you have other debit/credit cards?" and at what bank. We ticked "Yes" and stated that this was at Barclays. Another question asked if the relationship (with Barclays) was to continue so we ticked yes, as we have an outstanding overdraft to repay via our DMP. The HSBC customer services agent told us that because we already had a bank account, we weren't allowed to open a basic bank account as they were only for people on benefits or who had not had a bank account before. We told her that we were starting a DMP and that we had been advised to open a basic account with someone other than our current bank and she told us that the "banks have to stick together" and that we need to ask if Barclays will downgrade our current account to a basic account. I'm worried that even if we get a Barclays basic account, they will still be receiving our wages and that they may take money to repay our outstanding overdraft. Why can we not get an account at another bank? Is this standard practice now, to stop debtors moving from banks that they may be unhappy with? We told her that we needed to move from Barclays because we were in dispute with charges etc and we were afraid that they wouldn't give us a basic account but she wouldn't budge. Now what do we do? Any advice welcome. Thanks!

Tixy

I have never heard of anyone being told this before and I believe it is quite wrong.

Do not stick with barclays, do not get a barclays basic account.

On one level I think you could complaing to HSBC, however I would imagine you may not want to bank with them now anyway. If so perhaps try another bank - co-op cashminder is popular.

Also have a read of this is reassure you - http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf

Charlie1986

I have a basic bank account with HSBC and a Natwest bank account with an overdraft. I think I also had my Lloyds bank account then as well. Nothing was ever mentioned to me, they just took the form and sent it off. Perhaps give HSBC a ring?

fermi

You are certainly allowed to have more than one account; even basic ones.

I have 2 'basic' accounts, and had no trouble.

barbiedoll

Yes, I may ring them to find out the official position on this. The woman I spoke to had to confirm with her colleague, who looked about 17 and fresh out of bank school lol! It does seem a bit suspect, does anyone have a telephone number for HSBC. Thanks for replies btw.

barbiedoll

It's okay, I've just found a freephone number on "Say no to 0870" website. They can pay for my call!

littlemisschocolate

Hi Barbiedoll,

That just about sums up HSBC to me! Their in branch customer service is terrible, I've been made to feel stupid, if you need to call a number that's not stored in the little telephone banking section forget it.

I've got a basic account with Nationwide and so far touch wood they've been fantastic. Not a problem at all, got internet banking, a cash card and the staff are always very friendly.

PARIS_5000

barbiedoll wrote: »

Yes, I may ring them to find out the official position on this. The woman I spoke to had to confirm with her colleague, who looked about 17 and fresh out of bank school lol! It does seem a bit suspect, does anyone have a telephone number for HSBC. Thanks for replies btw.

I bank with HSBC they are great bank. if you go on their website there a freephone contact number for UK customer services who will be more helpful than in the branch.

You can have as many bank accounts as you like HSBC has never told me that I must only bank with them.

I would not mention the DMP because when they do the credit check they will be able to see if you have any adverse data on your credit file.

Good luck

barbiedoll

Thanks to all for replying, LMC, will try Nationwide, it sounds a bit more customer friendly! Only chose HSBC because they have a branch very close to my workplace but on reflection, have just realised that they are affiliated with the Marbles credit card people, who are one of our creditors :eek:, so probably not a good idea to bank with them anyway :rotfl: I will still ring them and complain though, it's not good enough that we are getting told to do one thing by our debt management company but the banks tell us something different. Sounds like we had a lucky escape!