Basic Bank Account Thread

James

Basic Bank Account are used by possibly some of the most vulnerable in society. Therefore can anyone answer the following questions?

1. Do Basic Bank Accounts offer PIN opt out, ie. Chip & Signature Cards rather than Chip & PIN cards for those who, for whatever reason, can't manage a PIN?

2. If so is there any mention of Chip & Signature Cards in Basic Bank Account Literature? i.e. About Chip & Signature Cards and how they work and how to apply for one?

3. Does the application form have a box which you can tick for PIN exemption?

Thanks in advance

tom188

Yawn

Basic bank accounts usually only have cash cards so you cant chip and pin then anyway.

sgx.saint

Yawn

Basic bank accounts usually only have cash cards so you cant chip and pin then anyway.

You obviously didn't read this thread in full, nor does it seem you even read my first post, or complete any research of your own.

There are several basic accounts that offer 2 in 1 Debit Cards (Maestro/Visa). I do agree that a large percentage of basic accounts only come with a cashcard, but there are many that as mentioned that do offer a full debit card.

Therefore 'James' post is entirely relevant.

Oh, and "Yawn", if this thread bores you in someway and you do not have anything valuable to say, why don't you steer clear.

@ James

I cannot answer your questions specifically as it would depend on the bank offering the account facilities. Have a look at my original post, plus visit the links I mention.

There is a list on one of the sites which shows which banks offer debit cards with their basic accounts. Best bet would be to contact the bank directly and ask them whether they provide an opt-out scheme.

pigsmightfly

marcellep wrote:

jem170884 wrote:

Send Citi bank a few extra things for ID, Ie a copy if your passprt and pop in a letter saying that you do not have a cheque book. They will be cool with this. I done that and I have the account now

My partner has recently applied for a Citibank account after I told him about this site but he doesn't have a cheque book. He telephoned them to tell them this and they said no problem, pop a letter in explaining this and it will be fine. He did this then received a letter saying they cannot process his application unless he sends a cheque to confirm his identity - even though he had sent pass port/utility bills etc.

He telephoned them bak and they said they can't open an account unless he can send them a cheque in him name. The only other way around it is to pop in to one of their branches - the closest branch to us is 150 miles away! :mad:

pigsmightfly

Applied for a Natwest basic account recently.

Applied online and telephoned them to make sure they had received my application ok and to confirm is was a BASIC account I required, NOT a current account. They confirmed this and said they would be in touch when they had processed the application.

They sent me the forms to sign, etc and I sent them back.

Then surprise surprise, received a letter yesterday saying "Sorry but your application for a Natwest Current Account has been declined"!! :mad:

I've sent them a letter....... :rolleyes:

marcellep

pigsmightfly wrote:

marcellep wrote:

He telephoned them bak and they said they can't open an account unless he can send them a cheque in him name. The only other way around it is to pop in to one of their branches - the closest branch to us is 150 miles away! :mad:

Thats mega weird, I was in the same postion I dont have a cheque book and I sent them plenty of ID and the account is now up and running.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=321204

Call back speak to someone different and advise them that another member of staff said it was ok to send additional ID but never advised you to what address. When they give you the address ask "whats your name" then pop a letter in saying further to conversation with xxx I enclosed the required docs to open the account.

Good luck

jem170884

You must use chip and pin now and you will find that most shops will not accept your card if you do not know your pin, the only time I have come accoss signature instead of pins is when there is a fault with your card and the information can only be read by swiping your card

jem170884

pigsmightfly wrote:

Applied for a Natwest basic account recently.

Applied online and telephoned them to make sure they had received my application ok and to confirm is was a BASIC account I required, NOT a current account. They confirmed this and said they would be in touch when they had processed the application.

They sent me the forms to sign, etc and I sent them back.

Then surprise surprise, received a letter yesterday saying "Sorry but your application for a Natwest Current Account has been declined"!! :mad:

I've sent them a letter....... :rolleyes:

Natwest seem to be doing this a lot I was accepted online and then again in branch when I took completed application in to them, then about a week later the branch manager called me and said I couldn't open a STEP account due to my credit rating! Do they not understand we are not asking for a all singing all dancing account just somewhere to have money paid, a decent card and to be able to pay direct debits out of???? Wouldn't we all be better off with a shoe box under the bed???? In the process of opening a citibank account so wish me luck!!! Surely I cant be that undesirable as a customer admittedly I have 1 CCJ for which I had no idea about until getting a experian report but there are a lot worse customers out there!

Just an example (not racist in any way so please dont take this as a racist comment) I know at least 20 people that have lived in england less than 2 years and have gold accounts huge credit card limits and god knows what else so why are the banks offering the world to non UK residents but just from looking at these forums and my own experience the people that have lived in the UK and EU are struggling to be allowed a simple bank account??? What do they have that we dont????

pigsmightfly

jem170884 wrote:

Natwest seem to be doing this a lot I was accepted online and then again in branch when I took completed application in to them, then about a week later the branch manager called me and said I couldn't open a STEP account due to my credit rating! Do they not understand we are not asking for a all singing all dancing account just somewhere to have money paid, a decent card and to be able to pay direct debits out of???? Wouldn't we all be better off with a shoe box under the bed???? In the process of opening a citibank account so wish me luck!!! Surely I cant be that undesirable as a customer admittedly I have 1 CCJ for which I had no idea about until getting a experian report but there are a lot worse customers out there!

Just an example (not racist in any way so please dont take this as a racist comment) I know at least 20 people that have lived in england less than 2 years and have gold accounts huge credit card limits and god knows what else so why are the banks offering the world to non UK residents but just from looking at these forums and my own experience the people that have lived in the UK and EU are struggling to be allowed a simple bank account??? What do they have that we dont????

I know they've made me mad - I've applied for a Citibank account also as a backup so wish me luck - good luck to you to.

I'll let you know the outcome of my letter to Natwest!

jem170884

Good luck!!!!!!

Im gonna need it as all my photo ID was stolen on friday and I dont have a cheque book eeeek!