Current Account - Poor Credit History

Proserpina_2

Please could someone advise me? I don't know where to look...

I'm a longstanding customer with Abbey but am fed up to the back teeth with their constantly-deteriorating customer service. I want to open a current account with a different bank or building society but am having problems due to poor credit history. The debts in question have been settled in full for around 8 months now but I am being refused a current account.

Last week Abbey offered to open a second current account for me purely for my direct debits but even this was refused. I am at my wits' end. Does anybody know of a bank that offers current accounts to customers with a poor credit history? I can't put up with Abbey for much longer!

Proserpina_2

Thanks so much!

I'll give Nationwide a try - Co-Op have already refused me :sad:

sgx.saint

Natwest also do a good basic bank account called the "Step Account". No haasle to open and you are even provided with a debit card (Solo) and all the other usual frills i.e. Telephone Banking/Internet Banking.

I just mention this incase you are refused the Nationwide account as Co-Op and Nationwide tend to have similar credit scoring procedures.

Silvafox

Natwest STEP account is another one too. They will give you a debit card too. Solo or Electron. The Nationwide account only normally gives you a cashcard with debit payment facility. Although I prefer Nationwide as they write bankers drafts for free, as most banks charge, and they charge nothing to take cash out abroad.

Edited to say: LOL. Looks like myself and sgx.saint posted at the same time......virtually the same advice!

sgx.saint

lol ... great minds

mboro

I have this week been upgraded from a key account to a current account with RBS, but it did take 6 months of waiting.....................but you never know they may be able to help you.

sgx.saint

mboro ... any chance your from middlesbrough?

toxicgirl

Hi there,

I was in a similar situation until recently - I have a settled default from a few years ago and HBOS have consistently refused to upgrade my account, despite the fact I have a salary of over 2k being credited every month and am always in credit.

I've tried a few places - LloydsTSB, A&L, etc but was turned down. I was beginning to despair that I would have to put up with HBOS's shocking customer service forever but just last week I applied for a current account with RBS and they have accepted me. I did apply for a Royalites account, which I know Martin is against, but I was hoping the fact I would be giving them a fiver every month for nothing might help my application!

Cheers,
Cat

PeeWee

the Natwest Step account does not have a fully functional internet banking service.

You can check your balance, but thats about it!!

Same with a few of the banks providing "basic" bank accounts... make sure you read the T&C as they dont broadcast this lack of internet services!

sgx.saint

the Natwest Step account does not have a fully functional internet banking service.

You can check your balance, but thats about it!!

I find their banking service quite good actually. I can setup standing orders, make bill payments and check direct debits. Which is all I really need

PeeWee

sgx.saint wrote:

I find their banking service quite good actually. I can setup standing orders, make bill payments and check direct debits. Which is all I really need

You sure this is with a step account??

I read when i was looking at one that you couldnt make online payments, maybe I got it wrong.