Basic bank account feedback thread

shirleymarye

Co-op are fine,I opened my account over the phone,first time I rang the other person put the phone down on me when I explained why I needed a basic account (going bankrupt) Second time I rang ( a few minutes later) I complained about the person who took the my first call and they apologised and were very friendly and helpful and opened the account right away,they sent me a welcome pack in the post and helped me with direct debits transfer from my old bank. That was about 3 years ago now and not had any problems but you can't get overdrawn of course on this type of account. You get a debit card you can use in ATMs or shops and you can get money in or out at the post office as well. Brilliant bank.

chambta

stanzelsa wrote: »

I think the reason Barclays have refused me is because I have an existing debt with them for a credit card that went on the bankruptcy, though the letter they sent me does say they did a credit check. The staff member appealed the decision based on the fact that it was a no-risk account and it was still refused.
I don't actually have an account with Natwest, though I've had accounts with Alliance & Leicester and HSBC prior to the bankruptcy (affiliates?). The problem with getting my credit check done is I have no way of paying it! But I will try to see if I can get someone else to make a payment for me and give it a go.
I am definitely on the electoral roll, as I got my polling card through for the local elections earlier this year.

Not sure why you thought they'd offer you an account given that. They will retain that information for as long as they choose.

jhnalford

Hi everybody,
I'm shortly moving back to the UK after 25 years in Spain for work reasons. I have no credit history now in the UK so trying to open a bank account is almost impossible. Has anyone else had this experience - can anyone recommend a bank that would accept me? Is this the only type of account that I can open? Thanks for any help.

Arwen

We have just opened a Coop cashminder account over the phone, cos of DH's DMP. Barclays is one of his creditors so can't go there.

Very nice man,account opened right away, awaiting our welcome pack on the phone and UK call centres...:j

Do they do online banking? Forgot to ask, cos this would be very handy, as I like to check the bank every few days for my spreadsheet.

shirleymarye

Yes they do on line banking and they also do the telephone as well. Very easy to use also Direct Debits and standing orders.

System

Tried to open a Barclays cash card account for a few weeks. These are the roadblocks:

1. Website simply says 'visit your local branch to open account'. When I visited, I was told I needed a pre-booked appointment, because it could take an hour and a half.

2. Called to book an appointment and was told the branch would call me back to arrange it. They didn't.

3. Found a direct number for the branch on SayNoTo0870 and booked an appointment.

4. Visited the branch for my appointment. I was asked questions about what I wanted the account for. I was first told that I'd have to open a regular current account, because "cash card accounts are only for existing customers". I then asked to speak to the branch manager. During the conversation, he used phases like 'loss-making account' and 'account that costs us money'. He eventually agreed to open the account - on the condition that all income goes into it.

Needless to say, I declined his 'generous' offer. Sat on a bench outside the branch and rang Co-op. Opened the Cashminder account within a 15 minute call. Awaiting the welcome pack. Job done.

Chrisblue1962

Re: Co-op Cashminder account.

You can also use any Post Office to draw and deposit cash too .

LEB

I'm trying to get my finances in order and have a debt advisor from the Citizen's Advice. My first goal was to open a basic bank account and he gave me a list of available basic accounts. I tried to open a basic account with Nationwide, but despite asking for their basic account (by name) they gave me the generic forms. I applied, I got credit checked, and unsurprisingly, turned away...
I then turned to this site which I've looked at before to see what Martin suggested. I choose not to bank with Barclay's and so called the Co-op to open a cashminder account.
The call took 17 minutes in all. As I'm on the electoral register I needed no further ID, and they were very helpful. They said I was only eligible for their most basic account (which is what I asked for), and asked me questions regarding defaults etc. They performed a credit and fraud check which I queried, and they said it was to check my personal details rather than the credit score. I was accepted and should have my debit card, paying in book etc in a few days. They tried some sales; car insurance, home insurance etc, but I didn't feel pressured. I shall post again if any problems arise, but for now, I'm a happy bunny... :j

Thank you for helping someone in desperate need!

cavim

shirleymarye wrote: »

You should look at yourself before you start attacking other people!

Don't think I have ever come across anyone as nasty as you are on here.

I agree with you shirleymarye - this Blomberg is a bully - not at all the supportive posting that is supposed to happen on a forum like this. You were brave to post what you did (we should all be able to post and know that we will get support, not the opposite from people who don't fully understand what's goes on in banks today!).
I worked in financial services for over 30 years and much of that in personal banking. Investment banking is totally different. What goes on in banks now drives me to distraction (plus all the other experienced people I know who were made redundant and replaced by cheap labour - eg students on their summer breaks). There is no such thing as customer service (unless it's from individuals in the banks who dare to stand up to "the system"), the banks have no loyalty whatsoever to personal customers and their systems are so badly designed (and not user tested properly) that non-sensical things happen which result in unfair charges being applied for "arrears" that aren't ... I could go on and on about this! I've seen it happen on a personal level with several of the banks - LTSB, Natwest, Halifax, Coop - and almost all the credit card providers. I doubt there is one bank treating personal customers fairly (unless they are very affluent and their funds are with the bank, of course!).
I fully sympathise with you. If the charges build up and you feel they're not fair, try complaining to the Financial Ombudsman if you get nowhere with the bank (NB I haven't read all your posts so apologies if you've tried this route).
There seems to be no common sense or logic in personal banking these days - it's all about sales and profit and people are employed to do as they're told/as the computer tells them to do and not use their brains (or any common sense they may have).
Hopefully one day a brave government or PM will sort this mess out!

shirleymarye

Thanks very much Cavim, I have to say that he did apologise to me personally afterwards.