Since when did opening a current account become so bloody hard?

PJHilder

Hi,

I need to vent. I'm currently working earning £18k, no defaults or CCJs on my credit history. A couple of missed payments over a year ago but other than that nothing major.

Yet I can't get anything more than a basic account with any bank/building society. I.e no debit card, cheque book etc. Just a simple cashcard which is sometimes more hassle than it's worth. The one I was offered with Barclays didn't even do basic online banking.

I don't want an overdraft and I'd settle for a Electron/Solo card for now but why all the hassle?

Any helpful suggestions welcome.

Ps. Nationwide's a no-no. I don't appreciate having to wait weeks and jump through hoops to get back £300 they wrongly debited when I used a cashpoint. Still waiting for them to refund me and it's been 6 weeks.

rachnbri

I have a step account with Nat west. No cheque book, but have a solo card and online banking etc. Also relatively easy to open if you have passport + driving licence.

Morglin

NatWest basic account is ok.

After a while, they upgrade you to a "full" bank account anyway.


The only problem I've had with them is their selling of everything - they do keep on!

But, if you feel that your credit rating is good, then it might be worth checking out why you have been refused a full account now - perhaps get a copy of your file from the credit reference agency - they often make mistakes.

madmoys

Cahoot was easy to apply for, cheque book & debit card.

jonesMUFCforever

A couple of missed payments?? Are they now paid up?
Are you on Electoral roll?

PJHilder

madmoys wrote:

Cahoot was easy to apply for, cheque book & debit card.

Already tried Cahoot. Thought having a savings account with them would help but nope.

PJHilder

ejones999 wrote:

A couple of missed payments?? Are they now paid up?
Are you on Electoral roll?

Yup all paid up. Of course not having a debit card makes it more complicated as I have to make multiple trips to the bank as I can only withdraw £300 a day. Kind of annoying when you have £500 to pay that week. I would normally pay them online if I had a debit card.

As to the electoral roll, I should be on it as I received a letter back in July saying so from my council.

PJHilder

Morglin wrote:

NatWest basic account is ok.

After a while, they upgrade you to a "full" bank account anyway.


The only problem I've had with them is their selling of everything - they do keep on!

But, if you feel that your credit rating is good, then it might be worth checking out why you have been refused a full account now - perhaps get a copy of your file from the credit reference agency - they often make mistakes.

I'm a bit wary of Natwest due to some problems with them a few years back. Plus recent experience that a friend has had with them puts me off too.

dexters_mum_2

The Co-Operative Bank do a basic account with Electron card. Easy toopen with a recent utility bill and passport but beware, from my own experience, I reclaimed some charges and alhough I got a refund, my account was closed immediately.
I think Co-Op & Natwest are the only basic accounts with debit card facilities at the moment....

PJHilder

dexters_mum wrote:

The Co-Operative Bank do a basic account with Electron card. Easy toopen with a recent utility bill and passport but beware, from my own experience, I reclaimed some charges and alhough I got a refund, my account was closed immediately.
I think Co-Op & Natwest are the only basic accounts with debit card facilities at the moment....

I've heard Yorkshire and Clydedale do a basic account with an Maestro card. Not sure what they're like though.

dexters_mum_2

Will have a look into those, as we're hoping to switch from Natwest after our charges claim is settled.