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Bank Accounts after discharge

Can anyone give me some advice please?
I am trying to get a bank account sorted as i was discharged 27/01/2010, however, all the forums and sites i've looked on are telling me that I should be checking my Credit rating prior to trying to open an account.

I have tried looking at the 30 day free trial on experian and equifax but both are saying that I need to use my own bank card to sign up, which obviously is a little difficult considering I dont have one??!!!

Any advice on past experiences or which account to go for would be much appreciated!!!

Comments

  • The only thing I can advise is that you write off with a £2.00 postal order to the companies and await the paper version or do you have a pre-paid credit card which you could use?

    Sorry cant be of more help.
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    I should really rename myself mummytothree!!! Child no3 born 14/09/10
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  • skylight
    skylight Posts: 10,716 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Home Insurance Hacker!
    And forums (Martin's) advice to check files before applying doesn't really apply to BRs and Ex-BRs anyway! Most bank accounts are closed to you simply because of your BR and regardless of the rest of your credit file, so you are only able to get a basic account now and for some time to come.

    Natwest Step (hit and miss as to whether or not they will take you) and Co-Op Cashminder (take almost anyone) - both have debit cards and allow S/O and DD's; just like a full account but without the cheque book or overdraft.
  • Skylight you have just reminded me, Barclays cash card account is a good bet too, that comes with a connect visa debit card which is more widely accepted than the co-op visa debit as some retailers still recognise it as a visa electron card.

    Although checking your credit file is more for making sure that everything has been updated correctly and now showing satisfied rather than defaults.
    BSC # 308
    I should really rename myself mummytothree!!! Child no3 born 14/09/10
    ED 12/01/11
  • Thanks for the advice!!!! Think I'll try the coop today!! I'll advise how I get on, for future reference!!!!
  • dojoman
    dojoman Posts: 12,027 Forumite
    You should not have a problem with the Coop, they have been great with me, and even after I am discharged I will definitely be staying with them.
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    Life`s Tragedy is that we get OLD too soon
    and WISE too late!
  • sizzler
    sizzler Posts: 5,094 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I use coop and had no problems godd luck

    sizzler:)
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