Basic Bank Account Thread

RustyBucket_2

I'm new to MSE and looking for some advice please.

I need to find a basic bank account so that I can start turning life around after seperating about a year ago and get things back on track. Not look for anything fancy, just a basic account that accepts D/Ds and allows me to pay bills etc and which can be managed online. Ideally I need an account that provides a debit card for online shopping etc.

I've been pointed in the direction of The Co-op Bank but there nearest branch is miles away.

Many thanks

Rusty

"If it doesn't sink first....one day my ship will come in"

cifpower

Barclay's basic account is the Cash Account and comes with a Visa debit card and has online banking. You apply in branch.

sutton111

Or by post.

cifpower

sutton111 wrote: »

Or by post.

But you have to get the form in branch don't you?

sutton111

Yes you do, but if you can't be bothered to queue in branch or don't have time you can apply by post.

I applied by post for mine.

BuddyBonthenet

RustyBucket wrote: »

I'm new to MSE and looking for some advice please.

I need to find a basic bank account so that I can start turning life around after seperating about a year ago and get things back on track. Not look for anything fancy, just a basic account that accepts D/Ds and allows me to pay bills etc and which can be managed online. Ideally I need an account that provides a debit card for online shopping etc.

I've been pointed in the direction of The Co-op Bank but there nearest branch is miles away.

Many thanks

Rusty

"If it doesn't sink first....one day my ship will come in"

With the Co-op you can use your local PO.

We've now got a Yorkshire Bank basic account with a Maestro debit card and a Co-op Bank basic account with an Electron debit card.

We opened our Co-op account over the phone in about 5 mins.

exedan

cifpower wrote: »

But you have to get the form in branch don't you?

Strange arrangement Barclays have here for applying for the account. You can't apply online as it tells you that you need to apply in branch. However when you go into the branch all they do is hand you a paper application form which you have to complete and post yourself! The application process is not done by computer there and then... this is 2009 afterall!

I'm still waiting to hear from them.... anyone know how long it took when they applied or did anyone manage to actually apply in branch using their computers (rather than post)?

book12

exedan wrote: »

Strange arrangement Barclays have here for applying for the account. You can't apply online as it tells you that you need to apply in branch. However when you go into the branch all they do is hand you a paper application form which you have to complete and post yourself! The application process is not done by computer there and then... this is 2009 afterall!

I'm still waiting to hear from them.... anyone know how long it took when they applied or did anyone manage to actually apply in branch using their computers (rather than post)?

Usually, it will take up to 3 weeks to get it all processed. I've read in the bankruptcy board that people can have the account opened in branch.

I've heard that they have a backlog at the moment.

Call this number to chase them up: 0500 007 234, or go into branch and query about it.

Treacle1983

I have opened a basic account with Halifax - you get a visa electron and free online banking and have to use their self service machines rather than the counter.

The forms were easy to fill in - I sent of originals of my i.d as it wasn't anything I needed to keep and I had a letter through returning the items and informing me of the progress of my application.

within 5 days I had received my pin and a few days later my card.

wonderful service so far.....

Previously I was with thinkbanking and having to pay £12.50 a month just for my bank account..............

456789

If you open the Barclays cashcard in a branch they open it their and then