Basic Bank Account Thread

blt

Hi everyone, I just thought I would post a message about Nationwide as I know I did a lot of internet searches trying to find out info on them! I've just opened one of their basic accounts. You cannot apply for these online - you have to go into the branch and collect a form. I originally phoned up and had one sent to me but when it arrived it was the regular flex account one. I went into a branch and queried this and they told me that this mix-up has happened before. They gave me the right cashcard application which I returned to them. About 2 weeks later I got my account opened. They told me that after around 6 months my account would be reviewed and they would look to adding a debit card etc onto it.

sutton111

blt wrote: »

Hi everyone, I just thought I would post a message about Nationwide as I know I did a lot of internet searches trying to find out info on them! I've just opened one of their basic accounts. You cannot apply for these online - you have to go into the branch and collect a form. I originally phoned up and had one sent to me but when it arrived it was the regular flex account one. I went into a branch and queried this and they told me that this mix-up has happened before. They gave me the right cashcard application which I returned to them. About 2 weeks later I got my account opened. They told me that after around 6 months my account would be reviewed and they would look to adding a debit card etc onto it.

I wouldn't hold your breath about getting a debit card!! Alot of people on here have had alot of problems getting them issued.

nobbyblobby

I'm in the process of trying to open a barclays cash card account as i'm desperate to get away from the lloyds cash machine problem.

Any idea what checks they do and whether or not there's a chance of getting it upgraded to a full bank account?

book12

jdcjon wrote: »

I'm in the process of trying to open a barclays cash card account as i'm desperate to get away from the lloyds cash machine problem.

Any idea what checks they do and whether or not there's a chance of getting it upgraded to a full bank account?

Barclays will do a ID, address, and voters roll check.

Collect the application pack in branch. You could either open it in branch (recommended - it's faster) or apply by post (envelope provided). You will see conflicting information about applying, the website says in branch, while the application pack says by post.

Getting a upgrade to a full bank account in Barlcays depends on whether you manage and use your account well. Wait for at least 6 months to do this.

456789

jdcjon wrote: »

I'm in the process of trying to open a barclays cash card account as i'm desperate to get away from the lloyds cash machine problem.

Any idea what checks they do and whether or not there's a chance of getting it upgraded to a full bank account?

I applied for a Barclays Bank account online and they then told me to go into branch to finish the process but as it was an online application the computer wouldn't let the branch manager approve it.....:rolleyes:

They didn't want to do another check on my credit file so recommended I get a Cash Card account instead, but they did ask me about my Halifax Cheque Guarantee card so I assume they must do some type of check but don't leave a mark as they do with the full account.

The lady said it would be possible to get it upgraded later on

I would recommend applying in branch rather than online

sutton111

Barclays don't do direct upgrades. You would have re-apply for a normal account after say 6-12 months.

Barclays will search your credit file for ID and fraud but thats it on the basic account.

book12

sutton111 wrote: »

Barclays don't do direct upgrades. You would have re-apply for a normal account after say 6-12 months.

Barclays will search your credit file for ID and fraud but thats it on the basic account.

Why don't they do direct upgrades?

I don't see the point of asking you to re-aapply, as the customer will get two accounts. One is already enough.

sutton111

book12 wrote: »

Why don't they do direct upgrades?

I don't see the point of asking you to re-aapply, as the customer will get two accounts. One is already enough.

Most banks don't do direct upgrades it's common pratice..RBS/Natwest, Halifax, Barclays don't do direct upgrades.

Abbey Lloyds and HSBC are the only banks which do direct upgrades.

Have you tried HSBC?

nobbyblobby

It's unclear who you're asking there -

If it's me, I haven't as I had an account with them when I was younger and wasn't really bothered about how I used it and as such had a poor in-house score with them. As I understand it, they don't offer a basic account with a debit card. I haven't fully researched that recently though as they all seem to be in the process of offering debit cards on basic bank accounts.

I just can't put up with the hassle of having to use cash for everything, especially as I travel fairly regularly and can't face having an electron. I had one when Halifax first started doing them around 06-07 on their basic accounts, which was really useful at the time and was a step up form a cash card. I then switched to Lloyds as soon as they started the full visa. Barclays seem to offer the best facilities now that they do online banking plus a full visa which can be used in any machine.

I just hope I get it.

Got a couple of defaults recently but never been bankrupt and have loads of ID/Bills etc.

nobbyblobby

p.s. I live miles away from a branch of Yorkshire bank.

p.p.s. And even further from the Scottish one that offers the identical account. Name escapes me.