Basic Bank Account Thread

pmduk

welshlady2k2 wrote: »

Read this huge thread yesterday as i bank with barclays but have an outstanding credit card debt with them, and am desperate to change banks but have serious debt problems and was declared bankrupt 17 years ago!! Today i managed to open a key account with RBS and then found out that next year they may be bought by santander. Wish i'd read the last thread before i went!! Have just tried for a classic account with LTSB.

Alternatively you could call the helpline (0800 210 0214) and state you wish your account to be transferred to a Scottish branch.

welshlady2k2

Would it make a difference if my account was in Wales? Is it just English accounts that will be moved?

welshlady2k2

Had letter this morning from RBS saying they cant open an account for me. Good job I hadn't given account details to anyone to start moving my money. Really annoyed, looks like i'm stuck with barclays.

usedandabused

welshlady2k2 wrote: »

Had letter this morning from RBS saying they cant open an account for me. Good job I hadn't given account details to anyone to start moving my money. Really annoyed, looks like i'm stuck with barclays.

did you apply for their key account or a normal current account?

terahurts

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on a basic bank account, preferably with a debit card and DD facilities.

My partner and myself are both on state benefits (Incapacity, DLA, IS, and Careers Allowance) plus family tax credits. My partner has a very old N&P savings account with a cash card that we've been using for the past few years, but we are hoping to be able to open a basic account somewhere that will allow us to pay bills etc via DD since that would save us a few quid a month and also use a debit card for online grocery shopping etc since it's not always easy for me to leave her to do the shopping, and it would be nice to be able to use that £9 in the account when we are living on beans on toast! We both have abysmally bad credit ratings and I have a CCJ from around 2003 against me, although it was paid in full. Since one of our debts is to LTSB I doubt they would entertain me, and one of Barclays branch staff told me that since we are on benefits the only account we would get with them would be a basic cash card account with no DD facilities and no debit card. We've no need or interest in an overdraft facility or cheque book.

Anyone got any suggestions?

JAYk_2

sgx.saint wrote: »

...A few members on here have been caught out where the bank staff have applied for a full current account and as a result the member has been turned away (only applicable to members with adverse credit histories).

Usually, even when applying for a Basic Account, a credit check is still performed. This is normally just to confirm your identity and your financial status. i.e. that you have'nt lied about being bankrupt etc. Some banks of course will accept bankrupt individuals (check the two websites for more information!).

Should there not be a 'Sticky' on Current Accounts?

book12

terahurts wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on a basic bank account, preferably with a debit card and DD facilities.

My partner and myself are both on state benefits (Incapacity, DLA, IS, and Careers Allowance) plus family tax credits. My partner has a very old N&P savings account with a cash card that we've been using for the past few years, but we are hoping to be able to open a basic account somewhere that will allow us to pay bills etc via DD since that would save us a few quid a month and also use a debit card for online grocery shopping etc since it's not always easy for me to leave her to do the shopping, and it would be nice to be able to use that £9 in the account when we are living on beans on toast! We both have abysmally bad credit ratings and I have a CCJ from around 2003 against me, although it was paid in full. Since one of our debts is to LTSB I doubt they would entertain me, and one of Barclays branch staff told me that since we are on benefits the only account we would get with them would be a basic cash card account with no DD facilities and no debit card. We've no need or interest in an overdraft facility or cheque book.

Anyone got any suggestions?

The following banks offer a debit card with their basic bank accounts:

• Natwest
• RBS
• Barclays
• Nationwide
• Halifax

pmduk

terahurts wrote: »

one of Barclays branch staff told me that since we are on benefits the only account we would get with them would be a basic cash card account with no DD facilities and no debit card. We've no need or interest in an overdraft facility or cheque book.

Anyone got any suggestions?

This isn't true. The basic barclays card cash account has a visa debit card, direct debits and full internet banking. There is no overdraft or direct debit with any basic bank account to my knowledge. You'd be best talking to a different staff member.

missi76

terahurts wrote: »

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice on a basic bank account, preferably with a debit card and DD facilities.

My partner and myself are both on state benefits (Incapacity, DLA, IS, and Careers Allowance) plus family tax credits. My partner has a very old N&P savings account with a cash card that we've been using for the past few years, but we are hoping to be able to open a basic account somewhere that will allow us to pay bills etc via DD since that would save us a few quid a month and also use a debit card for online grocery shopping etc since it's not always easy for me to leave her to do the shopping, and it would be nice to be able to use that £9 in the account when we are living on beans on toast! We both have abysmally bad credit ratings and I have a CCJ from around 2003 against me, although it was paid in full. Since one of our debts is to LTSB I doubt they would entertain me, and one of Barclays branch staff told me that since we are on benefits the only account we would get with them would be a basic cash card account with no DD facilities and no debit card. We've no need or interest in an overdraft facility or cheque book.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Hi. I would go for the Co-op cashminder account and you can apply over the telephone. I didnt need to send in any ID as they said because I had lived at my address for a few years, they just base it on the electorol roll. Excellent customer service and welcome pack and can also do D/D's S/O and faster payments transfers. You should get accepted for most basic bank accounts of which all, as far as Im aware, hav the D/D S/O facility and most have debit card now. The only time I have been refused a basic bank account is when I have had a debt with them in the past or a credit card which was in default.

welshlady2k2

usedandabused wrote: »

did you apply for their key account or a normal current account?

I had applied for the step account, so was quite shocked.

I am now in the unusal position of being offered two accounts!! Had a welcome pack from LTSB this morning for their classic account, and had stuff through from nationwide for their cashcard+ account!!

Think i'm going to go for LTSB after reading about peoples problems using the cashcard+ card. I like to pay at pump and take money out while im on holiday.