"Basic" bank account - can they ever be upgraded? - Update 29/10 - Closing account!!

pauli

I had a full account with A&L but as now owned by Santander decided to change banks as there was a risk of them doing that offsetting thing and clearing out my account as I am on a debt management plan through CCCS and Santander are one of my creditors...anyhow so I applied for an account with Lloyds TSB but they'd only give me a "basics" cash account, which is fine, but my question is - has anyone ever successfully ever managed to get their account upgraded to a proper one eventually or does anyone who works in a bank know if this ever happens?

the reason i'm asking is i'm not bothered about overdrafts or anything like that, it's just my cashcard is onyl valid in lloyds cash machines which is a pain...my credit rating is diabolical due to being on the DMP and it will be so for years but if I kept my nose clean with Lloyds for say 6 months do you think they'd reconsider? or would they always do a full credit check again regardless?

Thanks :wave:

wornoutmumoftwo

My RBS basic account was upgraded after about 2 years of 'perfect' banking, but it was their decision to do so, not because I asked. (I asked the year before and got a big NO.)

powerone

If you are okay with Natwest go to them

http://www.natwest.com/personal/current-accounts/g1/other-accounts/step-account.ashx

This account works the same way as a normal account

pauli

Oh that's good so there is some hope then! It's just last night i stopped off at tesco express on my way home from work and the card wouldn't work in their machine so i said i'd just nip out to the cash machine and get the money out then remembered i couldn't cos it's not a lloyds one, luckily i had a fiver in my purse but if i hadn't i'd have had to have elft my shopping and driven into town to get some cash out :mad: I don't know why the card wouldn't work either, it was fine in boots but i don't trust it now, think i'll just have to deal in cash from now on!

powerone

If your present account is being treated well. Then why dont you take some statements to Natwest and ask them for help. They might be able to help you.

pauli

powerone wrote: »

If you are okay with Natwest go to them

http://www.natwest.com/personal/current-accounts/g1/other-accounts/step-account.ashx

This account works the same way as a normal account

Unfortunately natwest is a no go too :embarasse it's weird, all the banks basics accounts seem to have debit cards linked to the link network except Lloyds...

powerone

pauli wrote: »

Unfortunately natwest is a no go too :embarasse it's weird, all the banks basics accounts seem to have debit cards linked to the link network except Lloyds...

Hmm try an RBS in Scotland if you are okay with RBS. Same account but dont even think England as that will soon be Santander.

If you are near London try Metro bank.

powerone

are you able to go to RBS?

iereboy

You have a cash account with Lloyds. With this account:

*No chq bk
*No overdrafts
*No lending facilities (credit cards, Loans etc)
*Have to use Lloyds cash points only


Run your account well and they MAY consider upgrading your account in 6 -12 months.

*No returned DD's
*No returned SO's
*No returned BP's
*Don't go overdrawn
*Keep a decent balance in there
*Have a healthy credit paid in
*No money laundering or suspected fraud (LOL -I had to put that one in)

The above is only a guide and not comprehensive.

Do yourself a favour and go into branch and open an EASY SAVER. It is free and comes with a cash card which you can use to get cash out at any cash point.

System

If the OP has had problems with NatWest, this is unlikely to be a good idea.

Either it will be refused at application or the Account Verification Unit (AVU) will likely pick up on a RBS group debt and close the account later on.

What about Nationwide or Yorkshire Bank? - neither are linked to major UK groups.

powerone wrote: »

are you able to go to RBS?

pauli

I'll enquire about that easy saver with the cashpoint card that can be used anywhere because that is my main bugbear with the account really, not being able to use any cashpoint.

if there's a problem with that then I think Yorkshire Bank would be a good idea, i'm in Yorkshire as well so don't know why I didn't think of them in the first place lol

I've actually heard that Lloyds bought out the Halifax, is that true? Because if that's the case then i'm going to be stuffed sooner or later with Lloyds because they may offset too as i owe money on a halifax CC - aargh never ever get in debt, that's the lesson i've well and truly learnt!