Basic Bank Account Thread

James

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Stompa

I know a lady who wants to open a basic bank account. However, she's struggling to find any proof of ID documents. She has however lived at the same address for 10+ years, and been on the electoral register for much longer than that. I doubt that she has ever applied for any credit.

Will all banks ask to see proof of ID documents?

(I know they often don't ask me for any when opening an account, it's all done electronically)

Thanks

Nicki_Sue

What a fab thread!
I opened a basic account with Nationwide when I got in touch with cccs etc as my bank was one of the bigger creditors. After applying etc I was told no card. I got a prepay one, Cashplus, which has been - basically a pain in the !!! - as I need some form of card as I'm a sole trader and order online etc. I have to get them to make all checks out in branch too which is a real pain! (Shouldnt moan, wouldnt be a pain if I hadnt got into debt!).

I was chuffed to bits today to find this thread and am popping into Yorkshire Bank on Monday to make an appointment for the readycash. I have a terrible credit rating with plenty of defaults but no CCJ's etc and I'm not bankrupt (due to start dmp soon).
Quick question - do I need to have a regular amount paid into a readycash> It sounds ideal with the card and chequebook and I was with them years ago for quite a while and left them on good terms so I'm hoping. Ive read a chunk of this thread and it sounds a good account.
Thanks so much op and keep your fingers crossed for me.

storminbalder

Nicki.

Yes Nationwide can be a pain without a debit card. I opened an account with them when I went bankrupt. It is worth noting though, that for the odd times I needed a cheque writing, they did it for free. This was good, most places would charge.

I have now closed that account as I am now with Yorkshire Bank and no longer need cheques as I have a debit card (far more useful).

In other words, to answer your first question, as long as you are not an undischarged bankrupt they will allow a Readycash account. So yes you're OK. In fact, when I went in for my appointment the lady who opened my account was training someone, and explaining to the trainee she said "we don't credit check this account, so tick this box. We just need to do an ID check and to check they're not bankrupt". I blushed at this point as I'd only been discharged a week, but sure enough it went through OK, no questions asked.

Second question. No you don't need to put owt in.

Third. They don't give chequebooks with this account. No basic account does.

I keep saying this though. But having been with Yorkshire Bank for 15 months now I have found them fantastic. Not the best rates of interest, true. But good old fashioned style banking.

I am surprised that they get so few mentions either positive or negative here or in the media. Perhaps because they are somewhat smaller than the others. But that in itself I see as an advantage, which is why they are much more personal and traditional in their approach.

You may just need to keep your Nationwide Account also for the cheque facility as I'd assume Yorkshire would charge each time.

Good luck.


PS. Just noticed your in North Yorkshire too.

Nicki_Sue

Thank you so much! Thats great. Not having a chequebook wont be a problem as I'm keeping the nationwide account active too so will use that for checks when I need them for business etc.
Thank you for the extra info etc, I'll definitely be speaking to Y. Bank on Monday.

Where abouts in N. Yorks are you? I'm near Northallerton.

storminbalder

My pleasure.

I'm miles away from you in Scarborough. It's a big county isn't it?

Nicki_Sue

Isnt it just, but just as wet and miserable there as here I bet lol!

storminbalder

Actually, not seen any rain YET. It's quite pleasant, but it won't stay that way I'm sure. Bet the horrid weather is on it's way from your part of the county over the moors.

annie24

Hello,

This is my first post so apologises if I’ve put it under the wrong section etc! )

I’m due to start a Trust Deed this month (The Scottish version of an IVA) and have been advised to set up a new bank account.

I’m off to see a local bank today to ask for their basic bank account so I can get my wages paid into the account and have my payments for the trust deed paid out.

I know the exact account I need based on their website, so I know the one that will give me no overdraft etc etc.

The thing that’s worrying me however is I don’t know what to say when they ask why I want an account with them and why this kind?

I’m thinking I’ll just be completely truthful and tell them its cause I’m starting a trust deed or will they turn me down based on this?

Surely although I’m going to be upsetting my other bank (which I’m loathed to do) the fact that I just want an account and have money paid into it should mean the new bank should be ok about it, so to speak?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thank you )

Annie

Morporkian

annie24 wrote: »

The thing that’s worrying me however is I don’t know what to say when they ask why I want an account with them and why this kind?

You tell them it is none of their business and they do not need a reason.

The truth is, they dont. I have read that everyone is entitled to bank account. A basic one, at least. You really do not need to tell them "why" you want it, only that you have the money to go into it - even if it will be leaving a few days later - which is good them :P

Good Luck with it all