Basic bank account feedback thread

Chutney13

Badger09 - I have now - thank you. Not sure why but I am finding navigating this forum tricky!

diamonds

Given the new basic bank accounts, anyone know who has the easiest online application ? Would like to move my direct debits to one which will never go overdrawn & keep my TSB 5% current for savings

colsten

If you have any normal current account, you won't get offered one of the new basic accounts as they are reserved for people who cannot get a normal current account.

If you want an account that can't get overdrawn, check out the "Control" option offered by Natwest or Lloyds.

john_st

So, I'll be moving to the UK, namely London, at the end of this month to start work. As a Croatian national I'm wondering will I have any problems opening a basic bank account.

It's perfect for me because I don't need an overdraft. I've been banking in Croatia for the better part of 15 years now and I've never reached zero on my current account, let alone spent more than I have.

I'll be employed on a permanent basis so I'll have a steady income each month but the thing I worry about when opening this account is "proof of address". What is considered proof of address in the UK and what would be the simplest one for me to obtain?

colsten

Have you asked your employer whether they can help you with a bank account?

You will need a National Insurance number and a Tax Code when you are working in the UK. You also have to register for utilities and Council Tax. Documents will be posted to your place of residence and should be acceptable for proof of address.

Lloyds are said to be easy for people new to the UK: https://www.lloydsbank.com/banking-with-us/joining-lloyds/new-to-the-uk.asp

https://international.lloydsbank.com/guidance/moving-to-uk-checklist/

john_st

So, I arrived in the UK on Tuesday, got my work permit (Purple card) on Wednesday. On Thursday I met up with the Agency that connected me and the school I'll be working at. We applied for an NI number and later I was sent to a branch of Lloyds to open a bank account. The session with Lloyds was booked by the Agency which notified them that I was a Croatian national.

When I actually spoke with an officer of Lloyds, he told me that I cannot open a bank account without a NI number. I was confused, the Agency was confused, it doesn't make any sense. I want a basic account, no overdraft or anything. Still no. Even though on their website they state that for an EU citizen all that is required is a proof of identity which can be either a passport or a national ID card or a driver's licence. I have all three with me. Still no.

I officially hate Lloyds.

However, other banks were even less forthcoming since they require proof of address. I will be living in a room within a shared house. I will have no utility bill to my name. The Lodger's agreement is not acceptable to Santander, Barclay's or Metro Bank. An official letter from my employer (the school) with my address in it and with my annual salary is also not acceptable.

The NI number should arrive within 6 weeks, but until that time I'm (A) carrying around all my money in a money belt (B) worried about receiving my first salary without a bank account.

amyjaj

I had no problem opening my Barclays Cashcard Account, in 2014. I already had a current account with them. So they did all the ID checks from that.

I have just opened a second basic bank but this time with Nationwide. You can open it online and the card and PIN is with you in days. Nationwide body only bank/building society that give you a contactless debit card with their basic bank account!

djpailo

So long as the basic current account has a debit card, can you use it to exploit switching bonuses (provided obviously you meet the T&C's of the other bank)?

Is it possible to do the same with basic accounts that only offer cash cards?

pepper33

I am with Danske Bank, but find their online system, quite annoying to understand. they don't give you a contactless card, and I would like to have a basic bank account, that I can use in Northern ireland I also need the best cashcard as I cannot get a credit card, as I have a CCJ

Tessy81

trevorpriest wrote: »

I had a basic account at Barclays which was running fine, after about 6 months of opening the account they decided to close it with no explanation as to why. Since then I have tried to open several basic accounts and have been turned down by every bank. I have checked my credit file and there is nothing new there (no record of fraud), I have never been bankrupt although do have some defaults.
The only account I have been able to get is a managed account, costing me £12.50 per month!

Hello have you been able to resolve the issue? Am now facing the same problem though mine is with lloyds bank, they placed a CIFAS marker on my name and ever since i cant open an account with any bank except those credit accounts which i pay £10 monthly.