Basic Bank Account Thread

KerryJean

ategid wrote:

Hi Electriclady,
Just opened a Yorkshire readycash account today-no problem and nice friendly branch staff who did not look down their noses because it was a basic account. I took in my driving licence and walked out with my account number. The great thing is that there is a Maetsro card the same as my First Direct card which I am going to claim charges from.
I have three CCJ's, one settled and the other two being paid off and numerous defaults.
They did not make any fuss or do a credit search just an address confirm and the advisor said that they would look at the account in 8-12 months to see if there was a posibility of upgrading, i'm not bothered at the moment.
Good luck.

Thanks ategid - you just saved me having to post a question by answering everything I needed to know!

I've had a RUBBISH nationwide basic account for the past two years (so frustrated - if i'd known I could've gotten an account with a Maestro card with Yorkshire I'd have switched yonks ago!)

Anyway - I applied for a Citibank current account a couple of weeks ago and the credit check was performed on the 15th Feb. Thing is I'm pretty sure I'll be rejected as I have a low credit score and a couple of partially satisfied defaults on my credit report (I cant get a mortgage because of these which is frustrating). I was worried that the Citi bank credit check would ruin my chances of getting a Yorkshire account but if they dont credit check as you say then I'm fine and dandy!

I've got a cheque for £1218 coming from Capital One (reclaimed charges - thank you martin!) so think I'll use this to open a Yorkshire account when I get the inevitable 'thanks but no thanks' letter from Citibank.

The reason I wanted a current account is that I need to build my credit score back up again so that in 12 month time - when I have decided to try for a mortgage again - I will be able to show that I have handled money well etc (ie - having an overdraft and barely using it).

Another good point is that it was Yorkshire Bank my other half and I were applying to for a mortgage - and it was them who told me I need to 'show that I have handled money well'. If I've got an account with them then they'll be able to see that clear as day!

Blimey - I have waffled havent I?!:rolleyes:

PaulW922

The Abbey basic account, whilst being fairly rubbish, does report back to Experian on a monthly basis. It is perhaps worth opening one and leaving a few £££ in it to get the good conduct report on your credit file.

Tori_Bellatrix

PaulW922 wrote:

The Abbey basic account, whilst being fairly rubbish, does report back to Experian on a monthly basis. It is perhaps worth opening one and leaving a few £££ in it to get the good conduct report on your credit file.

Do any other basic accounts do this ... or just Abbey?

jonathon

just a quick one on alliance and leicester basic account
1. thay dont do standing orders
2. you only get bank ststements every 3 months which is crap when you are watching every penny
3. you only get a cash point card
4. you cant pay in money or cheques over the counter you have to use there automated system
5. you can only get a mini statement from A&l cash points
6. staff dont want to know when you have a problem


but on the bright side thay were the only bank to give me an account.

khurammm

jonathon wrote:

just a quick one on alliance and leicester basic account
1. thay dont do standing orders
2. you only get bank ststements every 3 months which is crap when you are watching every penny
3. you only get a cash point card
4. you cant pay in money or cheques over the counter you have to use there automated system
5. you can only get a mini statement from A&l cash points
6. staff dont want to know when you have a problem


but on the bright side thay were the only bank to give me an account.

Did you try Halifax easycash account or Yorkshire readycash? I think these are the best basic accounts available at the moment.
With Halifax easy cash you get Visa Electron debit card and with Yorkshire readycash you get Maestro debit card.

jonathon

khurammm wrote:

Did you try halifax easycash account or Yorkshire readycash? I think these are the best basic accounts available at the moment

the local yorkshire has closed. if i dont get a citibank account i will try halifax. thay did refuse me a full account even tho i have a credit card and a mortgage with them.

Tori_Bellatrix

khurammm wrote:

Did you try Halifax easycash account or Yorkshire readycash? I think these are the best basic accounts available at the moment.
With Halifax easy cash you get Visa Electron debit card and with Yorkshire readycash you get Maestro debit card.

Not forgetting the Co-op Cashminder account with a Visa Electron ... I've had one of these for a year and I think it's brilliant ... and they're charges are lower then most ..

khurammm

Tori_Bellatrix wrote:

Not forgetting the Co-op Cashminder account with a Visa Electron ... I've had one of these for a year and I think it's brilliant ... and they're charges are lower then most ..

Yeah I forgot that hehe but I would prefer easycash over cashminder and readycash because easycash can be opened online but for the other two you have to go to their branches.

Tori_Bellatrix

khurammm wrote:

Yeah I forgot that hehe but I would prefer easycash over cashminder and readycash because easycash can be opened online but for the other two you have to go to their branches.

Yes, thats true.

s1h

the funny thing with yorkshire is on their website it boasts about their online service and never having to visit a branch.

But you do have to go into open it.