Best way to build a good history with a bank? (natwest)

smulx

I used to bank with Natwest a few years ago before having to file for bankruptcy after a messy breakup. I used to have a very good history with Natwest and always intended to start banking with them again once my finances were back on track. Things are going good now and I'm trying to build up my credit rating so I can get a mortgage eventually.

I've read though that certain accounts don't count for anything with them so I'm wondering what I'd need to do to build up a good history and eventually be able to get a current account again. I have a Step Account which is managed very well but I don't think they care about this so even after years it wouldn't make any difference how well I'd managed it. I also have an e-ISA and e-savings account with a few thousand pounds and this is increasing all the time.

So, does anyone know which accounts are relevant? Thanks.

pmduk

I'd move from the step (soon to be Basic) account to a normal current account as soon as you can. Other than that I assume the basics of maintaining a credit balance. I'm sure others will be along with more advice.

tagq2

smulx wrote: »

I've read though that certain accounts don't count for anything with them

My Step account's on all my credit reports. (My Current Plus isn't.) So it may not count with them but it certainly counts with others.

Although they'd be daft not to count it: it would mean judging a few years of healthy, profitable behaviour on a snapshot of you the day you opened the account.

jen245

Have you tried applying for a Select account? Step accounts generally mean that no credit will be offered to you, but if you have a full current account (Select, used to be known as Current Plus), which is always in credit, and no bounced payments, dds etc, and some savings, that will all help build your internal score.

Ive been using Natwest as my main account for over a year now having switched from Santander last year. I have a small overdraft that I dont use, a chequebook, and I have a bit in savings with them. My account is always in credit, and all my payments go into the account, and my bills come out. After 11 months of banking with them, they gave me a credit card (paid off in full each month) with a 5.4k limit, and have said I can have loan if I want one (no way, never again!).

smulx

I don't think I'd pass the credit check for a current account. Although I've cleaned up my credit files, I think because of the bankruptcy I'd still fail.

jen245

How long ago was the bankruptcy? There are other posters on here (look for posts by izools) who have managed to get full current accounts with bankruptcy on their files

smulx

I was discharged about 14 months ago.

smulx

I did a search of izools threads and he was with Barclays, not Natwest.

I'm glad that this shows it is possible, but I'm just wondering which Natwest accounts will allow me to build up a good history with them.

jen245

smulx wrote: »

I did a search of izools threads and he was with Barclays, not Natwest.

I'm glad that this shows it is possible, but I'm just wondering which Natwest accounts will allow me to build up a good history with them.

The only way, is with a full current account, which you might not get, as your bankruptcy is relatively recent

First_Sea_Lord

Barclays Natwest what's the difference.

chambta

You aren't going to like hearing this but it's lending policy for anyone previously bankrupt to be immediately declined for a mortgage.