Could someone offer some advice please? (Bank Account - Bad Credit)

solitaire_3

Im not sure if im posting in the correct section so forgive me if im not..

Im just looking for some advice.. My partner has a 'fairly' well paid job (for this area!) and went in Barclays to open up a Bank Account in January and they just offered him the most basic account you've ever seen.. he had no choice but to take that one.. they wouldn't let him have anything better because of really bad credit he had after a previous marriage & divorce, 8 months on they still wont upgrade his account, he can't pay standing orders, have online banking or pay swift transfers (that was the last straw yesterday - trying to pay an important swift transfer and they told him he couldn't on that account!!) The woman in the bank practically shouted as loud as she could to the other woman 'its because he has bad credit'!!!! when she suggested trying to upgrade the account!

Anyway i was wondering if anyone knows of bank that will give a fairly standard account where you can have a plain electron card and be able to pay swift transfers and standing orders if need be regardless of bad credit? Because Barclays refuse point blank to upgrade to anything at all.

Much Appreciated In Advance

msmicawber

Hi Solitaire,

I feel for you - I had one of those rubbish Electron cards once and the only shop I could find that took it was Sainsbury's - as if I could afford to shop there at the time! I ended up taking out cash to shop, then overestimating how much I'd need and getting in further strife aargh.

I held the account for 6 months, then applied for a 'proper' debit card. Once received, I closed the account and moved.

Anyway, I now bank with Nationwide because they're much nicer and more ethical to deal with and have SOs and DDs on my account. I've also managed to transfer money to other accounts without any dramas. I also looked at the Co-op, who are an ethical and pleasant company to deal with, but went with the Nationwide because there's a branch here whereas there isn't a Co-op branch.

I hope this is of some assistance. Good luck.

keith_lard

I would give Natwest a try!

The step account gives you online banking, switch/solo card set up Direct Debits / standing oreders!

http://www.natwest.com/personal02.asp?id=PERSONAL/DAY_TO_DAY/CURRENT_ACCOUNTS/STEP_ACCOUNT

Worth a try! I have bad credit in my file but i was acepted.

Good Luck!

k.

solitaire_3

Thanks for the advice guys.. i'll get him to give Nationwide & Natwest a go..

Oh and msmicawber.. if only he'd even be allowed one of those crappy electron cards!! They wont even let him have one of those!!

That how bad it is.. yet they're quite happy to have his wages of nearly £2,000 a month going in there and he feels stupid with one of those plain cards that looks like a childs!!

I really appreciate the advice!

keith_lard

Barclays are up thier own @sre!

unless you are 'perfect' they just dont want to know!

Try elsewhere, you will find that other uk banks are 'more' friendly and 'more' understanding!

k.

davek1

try natwest step account or co-op basic account both come with either a solo card ( widely accepted in most shops now days) or a visa electron card (not as widely accepted but useful all the same)

Both allow direct debits, standing orders etc

Both allow on line banking as well

Hope that helps

Dave

solitaire_3

Just a quick update..

My partner opened a Natwest 'Step' Account and today he got his snazzy looking Solo card through the post.. all week he was telling me theres no way there'll give him a Solo card.. he's really over the moon about it after being treated like a child by Barclays for ages so he's asked me to come on and thank you all bigtime for the advice

So from my partner..................................

THANK YOU - THANK YOU - THANK YOU!!!

PS. Also got to pay the Swift transfer as well and it's MUCH cheaper than Barclays too.. the account looks perfect for him - so we can totally recommend Natwest as well now!!