Natwest Step Account :( Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr

helena83

Just wondered if this has happened to anyone else.

I applied for the Natwest basic bank account (Step account) online and took our ID into a branch. I called them yesterday because we hadn't heard anything back from them only to be told that the account had been declined due to adverse credit reference information!! I was shocked because from everything I had read and the advice of CCCS I thought we would still be able to get this account despite the adverse information.

So now I have to start the whole process again with another bank and delay starting my DMP once again grrrrrrrrrrr.

Pott5y

Hmmm!! I had no problems getting a Step account with Natwest. Very strange.. but that is banks for you.

Have you tried the Co-op cashminder account.. Apparently that is highly recommended by some posters on here!!

helena83

Unfortunately I have debt with co-op so its not an option for me. Got an appointment with Lloyds next week so fingers crossed! I thought the only reason they would decline is bankruptcy or fraud according to the sheet CCCS sent out. I know that CCCS are updating their advice now after I called them but I'm just annoyed it took so long for Natwest to do anything, now nothing can be set up until December.

HAYLEY8005

Another debt friendly one is the barclays basic account

Hayley

lookingforthelight

Hi,

If you have'nt already, i would double check it was a Step account they were opening. I recently opened up a Step, a Santander AND a Coop cashminder - all went OK but throughout the applications they all were continually trying to get me to open a normal account (with overdraft).

They are meant to give you a speech asking permission to do a credit check.

N.B I did Coop over the phone and the other 2 online.

Callisto

My OH had no trouble getting a basic Natwest account even though he had been defaulted on a credit card. I went with him and specifically requested the basic account and that no overdraft was required.

Are you sure they haven't put you forward for their 'normal' account with overdraft/debit card by mistake?

BigCraigJohn

Barclays apparently are also a good one to go for and are known to give accounts to discharged bankrupts so worth a look i'd say if you have bad credit.

Deep_In_Debt

BigCraigJohn wrote: »

Barclays apparently are also a good one to go for and are known to give accounts to discharged bankrupts so worth a look i'd say if you have bad credit.

And undischarged bankrupts even if you owed them money in BR so definitely give them a go.

As another poster has said, please make sure you state you want a basic account as banks will put through as a normal account as they earn commission on them but don't on basic accounts.

helena83

I did the application myself online so it was definitely a step account. I also had the guy on the phone confirm it when I rang to chase it up. I imagine it will be to do with OH credit file and he already has an account with lloyds so hopefully it will go through there. Downside is that you can only use their own cash machines to withdraw money from.

VanillaDelia

I really don't understand why you have been declined for one of these. My husband and I have £42k worth of debt, and defaults left right and centre but we still got one.

The only thought that it could be declined now is the fact that they have upgraded the Solo facility to a Visa Debit facility, but if that is the case, I still don't understand, as it is still called a Step account, and has no overdraft or cheque book facility to it, and still no way of going overdrawn.

Another account you could try is the 'Easycash' account with the Halifax - you get a Visa Electron card only. (of course if you have no debt with the Halifax).

helena83

I've finally got the letter from Natwest saying the application was declined. It confirms that it was a Step Account but doesn't say anything specific about why it was declined. Just that we don't meet the criteria for the account. I don't imagine they're going to want to tell me what the criteria are and why we haven't met them are they! The only thing I can think of is that OH is not being entirely up front about what is on his credit file and how bad it really is!! Thats men for you though, doesn't want his pride denting!