Basic bank account feedback thread

hopperson

dr_adidas01 wrote: »

If you read the thread in its entirety you'll find there are lots of people recommending good basic accounts.

Also it would be helpful to know whom you bank with now and whom your debts are with. As it may limit you to which bank you could open an account with.

Hi, and thanks - I'll read the entire thread later today, but just for info:
I currently bank with Santander, but also have another (no longer used) current account with Smile bank. The outstanding overdraft balance on that is almost paid off, so not included in the DMP.

I have debts with Barclaycard and Argos card. And up to about 10 years ago I banked with Lloyds TSB and Halifax (although no problems with them).

Thanks...

dr_adidas01

hopperson wrote: »

Hi, and thanks - I'll read the entire thread later today, but just for info:
I currently bank with Santander, but also have another (no longer used) current account with Smile bank. The outstanding overdraft balance on that is almost paid off, so not included in the DMP.

I have debts with Barclaycard and Argos card. And up to about 10 years ago I banked with Lloyds TSB and Halifax (although no problems with them).

Thanks...

Hmmm your only option might be Lloyds TSB or Halifax basic accounts.

The two usually recommended are Barclays Cashcard account, but as you have debt with Barclay card they would have the right to offset, which means if you have an account with Barclays bank they can take money from that account to pay barclaycard.

The other is Co-Op cashminder account, again as you have debt with smile which is part of the Co-Op group they to have the right to offset.

You could always try HSBC basic account, though I don't know if they accept people on DMP.s it maybe the same for Halifax and Lloyds TSB.

hopperson

Thanks...I'm veering towards Lloyd's TSB... mainly because I had a good customer experience with them in the past.

chrissy100

Back in 2011 I decided to go for a DRO and was advised to change banks, which I did. I went to the Co-op and was accepted. My DRO finished in Dec 2012. Due to benefit changes (and reductions!) (I am on disability benefits) my finances have been all over the place, including date changes of when my direct debits are paid out. I have had a few times where there was insufficient funds to pay my DD's. The bank have just written to me to inform me that they have closed my account and it will become closed as of the 30th September. I can't use my card after the 9th September.

I went to the Halifax and was told they have a 'basic' account where there is no credit checks. I had to do the form online and then wait for a reply. It took a week to get a reply and I was turned down, due to a credit check!! I have now wasted a week trying to get an account. Plus I can't understand why I have been told there wouldn't be a check when they obviously do do one!

I will try Barclays tomorrow as this will be my last chance. But other problems are going to arise if they turn me down as well. My rent has to be paid by standing order, they don't accept direct debit, nor do they accept cash. If I can't pay by standing order, I will be given notice on my flat! Also I won't be able to keep my paypal account if I haven't got a bank account. Sky is the same and I am not sure if my mobile phone provider has the same rules! I can open a post office account to have my benefits paid into, but they don't deal with standing orders/direct debits either.

I am now at a loss, as it seems as if I am going to loose everything!

cifpower

chrissy100 wrote: »

Back in 2011 I decided to go for a DRO and was advised to change banks, which I did. I went to the Co-op and was accepted. My DRO finished in Dec 2012. Due to benefit changes (and reductions!) (I am on disability benefits) my finances have been all over the place, including date changes of when my direct debits are paid out. I have had a few times where there was insufficient funds to pay my DD's. The bank have just written to me to inform me that they have closed my account and it will become closed as of the 30th September. I can't use my card after the 9th September.

I went to the Halifax and was told they have a 'basic' account where there is no credit checks. I had to do the form online and then wait for a reply. It took a week to get a reply and I was turned down, due to a credit check!! I have now wasted a week trying to get an account. Plus I can't understand why I have been told there wouldn't be a check when they obviously do do one!

I will try Barclays tomorrow as this will be my last chance. But other problems are going to arise if they turn me down as well. My rent has to be paid by standing order, they don't accept direct debit, nor do they accept cash. If I can't pay by standing order, I will be given notice on my flat! Also I won't be able to keep my paypal account if I haven't got a bank account. Sky is the same and I am not sure if my mobile phone provider has the same rules! I can open a post office account to have my benefits paid into, but they don't deal with standing orders/direct debits either.

I am now at a loss, as it seems as if I am going to loose everything!

Suppose as a last resort you can choose Think Money. £14.50pm fee but guaranteed to get one and you shouldn't have any further unpaid DDs etc

chrissy100

cifpower wrote: »

Suppose as a last resort you can choose Think Money. £14.50pm fee but guaranteed to get one and you shouldn't have any further unpaid DDs etc

Thank you for the info cifpower. But, although £14.50 a month may not be a lot of money to some. I would really struggle to find it. But it is something for me to find out more about. Thank you.

innovate

Have you looked at the YBS Cash Transactor account? It's essentially a savings account but lets you do DDs as well.

redcard

Try RBS - http://www.rbs.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/g1/basic-account.ashx

chrissy100

chrissy100 wrote: »

Back in 2011 I decided to go for a DRO and was advised to change banks, which I did. I went to the Co-op and was accepted. My DRO finished in Dec 2012. Due to benefit changes (and reductions!) (I am on disability benefits) my finances have been all over the place, including date changes of when my direct debits are paid out. I have had a few times where there was insufficient funds to pay my DD's. The bank have just written to me to inform me that they have closed my account and it will become closed as of the 30th September. I can't use my card after the 9th September.

I went to the Halifax and was told they have a 'basic' account where there is no credit checks. I had to do the form online and then wait for a reply. It took a week to get a reply and I was turned down, due to a credit check!! I have now wasted a week trying to get an account. Plus I can't understand why I have been told there wouldn't be a check when they obviously do do one!

I will try Barclays tomorrow as this will be my last chance. But other problems are going to arise if they turn me down as well. My rent has to be paid by standing order, they don't accept direct debit, nor do they accept cash. If I can't pay by standing order, I will be given notice on my flat! Also I won't be able to keep my paypal account if I haven't got a bank account. Sky is the same and I am not sure if my mobile phone provider has the same rules! I can open a post office account to have my benefits paid into, but they don't deal with standing orders/direct debits either.

I am now at a loss, as it seems as if I am going to loose everything!

I went into Barclays bank this afternoon. Sat down with a lovely lady, explained everything to her. Not a problem I was told and within 30 mins everything was sorted. I have my account number, my card will be with me with 2 days. Mobile banking was set up on my phone for me there and then. I can't believe how nice and understanding she was and how quick it was set up.

I am really thankful for the advice I have read on here. I would never have gone to Barclays if I hadn't read about them on here. Thank you to everyone and I hope others have the success I have had.

:j :j :j :j :j :T :T :T :T

Chrisblue1962

Hi Chrissy100 ,

Really good to hear that you got sorted out. ..that's another thing sorted! :T