Why can't I switch my current account or even get another one??!

freya_2

Hi
Just wondering if anyone can help me with this one really...
I currently have a LLoyds TSB current account, that i've had through all my student and grad years but I'm increasingly annoyed with them and their customer service-i recently asked if I could gradually reduce my overdraft left over from uni in order to pay it off and they refused nor would they incorporate it into my grad loan (even when it was interest free)
I really want to change my account and thought this would be easy just to apply for another bank account and switch things over. However I have been flatly refused for a current account by Natwest, Smile and Alliance and Leicester and only Natwest will offer me their basic bank account. What have I done??! I didn't apply for an overdraft and I have worked since I left uni without a break-I pay in my salary every month which currently stands at £1800 so even though I have a massive overdraft (£1600) from my grad account, my account does go into credit for a period of time each month
Lloyds have told me on a number of occasions that I manage my account badly in this manner ( ie I'm not in credit for a long enough period each month) although i've not been over my overdraft limit since I left university four years ago, and although I can't reduce my overdraft in one go I would like to reduce it and have asked them to help me "manage my acocunt better" several times. I am beginning to find this a really depressing situation to be in because I feel like Lloyds has tied me into them ( I have a grad loan and a credit card with them but cannot get another credit card or bank account now!) Does anyone have any ideas at all as to what I may be doing wrong??!
I can't deal with another annual account review at Lloyds-last year I was told by the account manager that I should get my boyfriend to pay off my overdraft as her husband paid off hers!

Thanks

Freya

kay74

Hi
Have just left Lloyds because of customer service probs. Swapped to NatWest adn they're just as bad! However, am swapping to A & L and called to ask if it would be a prob that I'd swapped banks twice in month. She said they judge new clients on their credit ratings and A&L use experian. Might be worth following the links on the main website to check your rating with experian as Lloyds may have put something there that is stopping other banks taking you on? Is worth a try.
K

Andy_L

can't reduce my overdraft in one go I would like to reduce it and have asked them to help me "manage my acocunt better" several times.

I would suggest you wander over to the debt free wannabe board for advice
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=76

Does anyone have any ideas at all as to what I may be doing wrong??!

What you are doing wrong is having had a £1600 overdraft for 4+ years and made no effort to reduce it. Until you do that few banks/credit card companies are going to touch you.