Bank Accounts after discharge

cocohammy

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!!!

mummytotwo_3

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.

skylight

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.

mummytotwo_3

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.

cocohammy

Thanks for the advice!!!! Think I'll try the coop today!! I'll advise how I get on, for future reference!!!!

dojoman

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.

sizzler

I use coop and had no problems godd luck

sizzler:)