Basic Bank Account Thread

Techhead_2

I'm a little frustrated with Natwest and its clouding my judgement as to what to do next.

I applied online (because of the ID requirements) for a STEP account. A few days later I received the printed application which had to be signed and returned to Natwest.
Four days later I received an email imploring me to sign and return the application, as my new account was waiting for me.
I called them, to be told that it was an automated email and there was nothing he can do until it was scanned on the system. (Whatever that means)
I explained that I wasn't chasing the application, merely concerned that the application form; with all my details; had gone missing. But he just repeated the mantra that nothing could be done until it was scanned on the system. He suggested I call back in a few days.
When two weeks had passed since I phoned again. A more sympathetic woman apologired that she couldn't confirm or deny whether my form had been received, but would print off a copy and send it to me straight away.
As you can guess several days have passed and it hasn't arrived!
On Monday I have two choices, I can call Natwest for a third time or I can apply at Barclays.
Can anyone think of a third option? I'm concerned that Barclays will see that I have applied elsewhere.
With everything else going on in my life I could really do without the fuss of chasing Natwest and reporting the missing application to the Royal Mail.

PARIS_5000

The Lloyds TSB basic account be applied for on the telephone and online and they will id you right away if they accept you will just receive the card and welcome pack.

The card is a proper visa debit but it can only be used at Lloyds Tsb to take out money.

Techhead_2

PARIS_5000 wrote: »

The Lloyds TSB basic account be applied for on the telephone and online and they will id you right away if they accept you will just receive the card and welcome pack.

The card is a proper visa debit but it can only be used at Lloyds Tsb to take out money.

Thank you for that, I should have said the one bank I can't go for is Lloyds! (The problem with ID is that I can't drive and can't afford a passport and have no existing bank account - Lloyds closed mine when I couldn't clear my overdraft)
Does anyone have any advice about how to persuade Natwest to take me seriously? Also will the fact that I have applied cause any problems if I try elsewhere.

Toe-Jam

pmduk wrote: »

The earlier posts on citibank are now quite old and do not seem to refer to their current requirements. Do not assume they are easy to get an account with now.

Citibank are quite difficult to get an account with in my opinion.

pmduk

I can't find where I saw it, but I'm sure there was a post on this forum saying they now had a minimum salary requirement of £20,000.

dadooronronrondadooronron

Hello _ Just an update. I applied online for Citibank Current Access account (with no overdraft) and this morning - Very fast - received letter and leaflets just summarising everything and asking only for my signature - no documents, payslips, bank statements.

The letter says provisionally approved. have read a few threads just now that suggests this doesnt mean a thing - that they wont do checks until I sign and send letter back? Anybody else had this experience. Anyway - I will keep you updated. Nothing to be lost by sending it back !! RON

stclair

Techhead wrote: »

I'm a little frustrated with Natwest and its clouding my judgement as to what to do next.

I applied online (because of the ID requirements) for a STEP account. A few days later I received the printed application which had to be signed and returned to Natwest.
Four days later I received an email imploring me to sign and return the application, as my new account was waiting for me.
I called them, to be told that it was an automated email and there was nothing he can do until it was scanned on the system. (Whatever that means)
I explained that I wasn't chasing the application, merely concerned that the application form; with all my details; had gone missing. But he just repeated the mantra that nothing could be done until it was scanned on the system. He suggested I call back in a few days.
When two weeks had passed since I phoned again. A more sympathetic woman apologired that she couldn't confirm or deny whether my form had been received, but would print off a copy and send it to me straight away.
As you can guess several days have passed and it hasn't arrived!
On Monday I have two choices, I can call Natwest for a third time or I can apply at Barclays.
Can anyone think of a third option? I'm concerned that Barclays will see that I have applied elsewhere.
With everything else going on in my life I could really do without the fuss of chasing Natwest and reporting the missing application to the Royal Mail.

You could always go into a natwest branch to complete your application if its convenient for you.

Techhead_2

stclair wrote: »

You could always go into a natwest branch to complete your application if its convenient for you.

Thank you, however I would need the printed application form for that and the proof of ID (see my post).

As it happens I decided to phone Natwest and see what was happening. Without even identifying me the bloke denied that a copy of the form could have been sent to me. It was only when I pressed him that he took my details.

To my great surprise, he told me the account has been opened. Although no word on what happened to the 'missing' form. Or reason for the delay.

So I was feeling relieved that it was finally open. Until this afternoon, when I received two emails from them. One telling me that I urgently needed to sign the application and return it. And a second telling me that as the application was only valid for another week I should phone them.
I'm not sure I have the strength to phone them a fourth time! Truly awful customer service.

rsmithone

all i want is a basic bank account.
i am looking for work at the minute. when i get a job what am i going to say to the people who pay me sorry but can you hold my wages for years, because i cant get a bank account.
this is stupid im sure the government said that every body will be able to get a bank account.
i was in barclay's this morning and the nice man told me i would get the cash card account easy,
but then it had to be sent of for review even though he told me there is no credit checks this is my last chance no one will give me a bank account got to wait till Friday for the call from them.

i should just give up as they will say no.

Techhead_2

rsmithone wrote: »

all i want is a basic bank account.
i am looking for work at the minute. when i get a job what am i going to say to the people who pay me sorry but can you hold my wages for years, because i cant get a bank account.
this is stupid im sure the government said that every body will be able to get a bank account.
i was in barclay's this morning and the nice man told me i would get the cash card account easy,
but then it had to be sent of for review even though he told me there is no credit checks this is my last chance no one will give me a bank account got to wait till Friday for the call from them.

i should just give up as they will say no.

What an awful experience for you. I've had similar feelings in the last few months. It seems banks are determined to cause worry and frustration.
Sorry I can't help or offer advice. I just wanted to let you know you are not the only one.