Moving bank accounts with poor credit rating

SHAKERMAKER

I'm currently with Santander for both my current accounts. The first is a former A&L account, the second is a former Abbey account.

I do not like the Santander Abbey banking service. They are appalling and I would like to switch to a bank who doesn't use overseas call centres, and one with a local branch.

The question is here, would it be wise to switch bank accounts whilst we have an arrangement on our mortgage, and have defaulted on our personal loan, also with Santander?

Are we likely to get accounts with, say, and electron or rather a visa debit, are we more likely to get declined?

Thank you in advance.

jen245

You can apply for basic accounts with any of the high street banks, most of them now come with Visa debit cards. The best ones that come to mind are Co-op cashminder, Barclays cash account, Natwest/RBS Step/Key account

Sparhawke

I have the same issues, and went with Barclays this afternoon.

This post inside the link should help

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2950578

ironlady2022

Yes Coop Cashminder, the bank can do the switching for you too. If you want 2 separate accounts that should not be a problem too. Bear in mind they will not provide an overdraft facility as it's the most basic bank account.

JohalaReewi

As a word of advice, if you have arrears/defaults with santander, do not have your current account or savings with them because they could use the right of offset to take money from your current account (or savings) to clear the arrears. Put your money somewhere else quickly, leave the debts with santander and work out an arrangement to clear them.