Basic bank account feedback thread

Docklander58

I want to open a Basic Bank account, I am thinking of Barclays but wanted to know if I have a debt with Barclaycard would that be a problem and could they take money from my account (more than I want) to offset?
Same applies if I look at LTSB as they are associated with HBOS I believe and I have a Halifax debt which is just going into a DMP, so is the Barclaycard one.
If neither of these are options for me, does anyone know if HSBC have a Basic Bank account and if they do, does it allow online banking?

System

Banking groups tend not attempt offsetting across banking licences.
RBS and NatWest each have their own.

However, they will not hesitate to close down accounts within the group, so I would look elsewhere if i was you.

loopylu36 wrote: »

Hi, I am this year trying to become a little more financially stable so want to open a new bank account. I've applied and been accepted for a nat west basic account. My question is that I had an rbs credit card which has long since (getting on for 6 yrs but probably not quite) been transferred to dca's - do I need to be worried about this in terms of "offsetting" by nat west/rbs?.
TIA

System

Best to play safe and bank away from debts.

Docklander58 wrote: »

I want to open a Basic Bank account, I am thinking of Barclays but wanted to know if I have a debt with Barclaycard would that be a problem and could they take money from my account (more than I want) to offset?
Same applies if I look at LTSB as they are associated with HBOS I believe and I have a Halifax debt which is just going into a DMP, so is the Barclaycard one.
If neither of these are options for me, does anyone know if HSBC have a Basic Bank account and if they do, does it allow online banking?

crow

past problems mean my credit history is nuked. I have a co-op basic account which has served me well for a few years (opened up on the phone whilst on another line to my then existing bank about charges) but want another account to put away spare money. Called co-op to ask about their basic savings account only to be told that it involves a credit check. thinking they must be wrong, i asked to speak to a manager as it contradicted what i had been told earlier. The manager confirmed that ALL applications receive a FULL credit check when when it doesn't involve any lending facility. Not going to be opening up the about with them, but are there any savings accounts or basic current accounts that don't involve credit checks? I've looked at a few and the T&C all day that they may use CRAs

I don't want standing orders or direct debit, just someehere I can put a few quid away when i have it and keep it away from my spending money. and withdraw via an ATM

richx45

crow wrote: »

past problems mean my credit history is nuked. I have a co-op basic account which has served me well for a few years (opened up on the phone whilst on another line to my then existing bank about charges) but want another account to put away spare money. Called co-op to ask about their basic savings account only to be told that it involves a credit check. thinking they must be wrong, i asked to speak to a manager as it contradicted what i had been told earlier. The manager confirmed that ALL applications receive a FULL credit check when when it doesn't involve any lending facility. Not going to be opening up the about with them, but are there any savings accounts or basic current accounts that don't involve credit checks? I've looked at a few and the T&C all day that they may use CRAs

I don't want standing orders or direct debit, just someehere I can put a few quid away when i have it and keep it away from my spending money. and withdraw via an ATM

I only had a basic Santander account (no debit card) so I tried to upgrade to "instant plus" account, but was told that was withdrawn in December, not wanting to risk full Santander one, I read the forum about nationwide....

Nationwide just do a I.D check on their Cashcard+ account which has visa debit, S/O, Direct Debits ETC, I got mine couple of weeks ago, got it linked to a cashbuilder savings (cashcard) account with online banking too, was really easy!

I was shocked when they said yes, I went to HSBC & they said yes too (they did a "soft check"") seems the 6 years rule is a god send!

Good luck!

Roland_Flagg

I applied for an Halifax Easy Cash online, but after weeks of not hearing anything I was told they had no knowledge of my application and to apply again, but it seems the option to apply online as gone.

Is there another basic account I can apply for online?
I just need a Visa Debit or Electron card with it to use online.

Opinions?

scott_lithgows

Roland_Flagg wrote: »

I applied for an Halifax Easy Cash online, but after weeks of not hearing anything I was told they had no knowledge of my application and to apply again, but it seems the option to apply online as gone.

Is there another basic account I can apply for online?
I just need a Visa Debit or Electron card with it to use online.

Opinions?

RBS basic account?

DreamerHelen

Does it have to be Online? Could you not do it with Halifax over the Phone? That's what I did and they were very quick with sending everything to me.

Alternatively you could always try the Nationwide Cash Card Account, you can definitely do that Online.

Hope that helps a bit...

doinright

chrissy100 wrote: »

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

I am so pleased to have read this I have to open a basic account and I will try Barclays first and let you know how I get on.

doinright

doinright wrote: »

I am so pleased to have read this I have to open a basic account and I will try Barclays first and let you know how I get on.

I have just been into Barclays and opened a basic bank account in about 30 minutes with absolutely no problem at all. The lady assistant was very helpful, she asked why I had chosen Barclays but straight away said it wasn't a trick question and I did not have to explain anything, I said I was trying to get my finances in order and needed a basic account with a debit card that I could also use to set up direct debits. She did ask if I would be having any regular payments made into the account, such as salary, benefits or pensions. I said I would be doing but just wanted to open the account today. She filled in the forms, took my passport as identity and said I didn't have to put any money into today and I would get my welcome pack in the post in a couple of days. She gave me my account number and said I could set up online banking once I got my welcome pack! It was such a relief. I can now start and sort out my debts knowing I will still have a bank account. I would recommend the basic account to anyone especially Barclays as there were no awkward questions to answer and no credit check needed. Thank you everyone here.:j:j:j:j I am going to be able to sleep tonight!:T