Basic Bank Account Thread

edinburgher · 10 November 2009 at 6:25PM

Thanks guys - think I'll investigate Natwest or Barclays, as I still owe Halifax (well, Bank of Scotland), £2700

Edit - just applied for a Step account (accepted in principle - although this is not doubt the default reply?) Took all of 5 minutes - thanks gilligansyle

book12 · 10 November 2009 at 6:39PM

edinburgher wrote: »

Thanks guys - think I'll investigate Natwest or Barclays, as I still owe Halifax (well, Bank of Scotland), £2700

No worries.

For the Barclays account, you will get your PIN and card within 2-3 working days. Online/telephone banking details within a week. As for ID, bring a passport. They seem to prefer this. When I went to open mine, I provided passport and driving licence, and they took the passport instead. If you don't have a passport, use a driving licence.

Sorry for not being specific in the first place.

edinburgher · 10 November 2009 at 7:09PM

Sorry for not being specific in the first place.

No problem - I went for the Natwest account in the end - never underestimate the usefulness of being able to open an account online

Looking forward to being able to use my bank card for purchases and to setting up a SO to pay off my remaining debts (I'm pretty tired of my GF having to pay for everything and then being refunded!)

book12 · 10 November 2009 at 7:24PM

edinburgher wrote: »

No problem - I went for the Natwest account in the end - never underestimate the usefulness of being able to open an account online

Looking forward to being able to use my bank card for purchases and to setting up a SO to pay off my remaining debts (I'm pretty tired of my GF having to pay for everything and then being refunded!)

The basic Barclays account can be opened in branch only. Forgot to mention that.

The Co-op account you have comes with a debit card, where you can make purchases.....

Sometimes opening accounts online can cause delay, as they might need some paperwork returned, signed, need more things, etc... I rather do them in branch, where the account is openend immediately, and ID verified physically/electronically. If there are any problems, it could be sorted out there and then.

Some information about the 'agreed in principle' statement: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1944953&highlight=agreed+principle+natwest

edinburgher · 10 November 2009 at 7:28PM

I'm aware that the Co-op card can be used for purchases, but I don't have my salary paid into this account as it has very limited internet functionality.

I read the 'agreed in principle' thread and I'm not too worried - got one default from 3.5 years ago and it's not as if credit is an option with the account.

It has been my experience (largely with the terminally awful A&L) that going into a branch in person actually makes things slower. Anyway, I'm not in any rush - forms will be filled in as and when required

welshjody · 11 November 2009 at 10:03PM

My partner and I need a joint bank account for bills for house etc. However, he has excellent credit but my history is poor, so we have been refused a joint bank account application.

Is there another form of account we can have in his name with me as an additional card holder? We don't want an overdraft, or cheque book. Just a basic account that we can put money into and withdraw if needed.

Any advice would be great.:j

edinburgher · 14 November 2009 at 11:39AM

Got the paperwork for my Step account yesterday - just need to take my passport and a couple of current bank statements into a branch today and I should be good to go. Thanks again for the hints :beer:

Cat_Woman_2 · 14 November 2009 at 8:42PM

Hi I'm owed some money by a lady who has an account with Thinkbanking. She tells me it helps her manage her money but, obviously, it does not help me to manage my money. She emailed me to say she had made an online transfer to my account on the 6th November. When it didn't appear in my account I wondered if it had gone astray so asked her to verify the fact that she had done the transfer. Well, she sent me proof that it had left her account and that they had the right account numbers. Now I need the money and she is way overdue paying it to me. So she emailed back to say her bank - Thinkbanking - said it could take up to 11 days to reach my account - help - what is this bank that takes so long to do transfers - and holds on to my money? I thought banks had to abide by the 'not holding on to money' these days. If they hold on to everyone's money for up to eleven days they make a lot of money in interest from us all. I have read about them on their website and they seem to charge quite a lot to their customers - so why do they hold on to mine and everyone's money for eleven days. Thinkbanking - must get a lot of complaints - if they do. So, has anyone else had anything to do with this Thinkbanking? Have they had trouble with them and do you know how I can find out why they hold on to my money for so long? I would be very interested if anyone else has had the same problem. Thanks.