Best Bank Account article discussion

regularsaver1

Have you had a reason why they downgraded you?

disaster65

Hi
I was on incapacity benefit for almost 2 years following an accident so things were VERY tight. But I have explained my situation time and time again. As recently self-employed earnings are still a bit erratic. They have said that they would be prepared to look at my account in the future.
Also that I should have a separate business account. Obviously this would be preferable but I am still paying off a lot off debt and it it easier to manage from one "pot" at the moment.
I've checked my credit rating with all 3 firms and it is not so bad. 2x4* and one 3*. (although this may have changed) Worst points against me seem to be location which I can't change and NOT applying for new credit!!! Which I am now scared to do since the bank downgraded me!

I recently paid off 2 credit cards and waiting to see what effect this has on my scoring. Then will apply for new card/cards.

thanks

mayb_2

What a weird world - where it is held against you not to have enough debt in credit cards! Do you think they really mean that you should have arranged more of a credit zone with them so any debts were authorised and covered by the bank in advance - rather than actually requiring you to take out more credit cards? I thought it damaged your credit score if you had too many credit card applications rather than the other way round.

regularsaver1

Did you go overdrawn?

kotka4

Re the updated new best bank account. I have just applied for a high interest current account at RBS (6.17% on balance and £100 paid to you if you pay in over 1k for 2 months). All the screens before the application said theat new customers (both RBS and Halifax) will get £100 if they pay in at least £1000 for two months. After I completed the application, at the final screen there was a message saying "The £100 incentive is now closed". I phoned RBS to ask why they advertise this before you apply but then say its closed after you apply - this is cheating! The lady I spoke to at RBS said that the £100 incentive is open but for people living in Scotland only, not for England where the account opened would be a Halifax account! Martin and all - any comments please? This sounds very dodgy to me, but I don't think there is a way to make them pay £100 if the bank is lying and cheating customers from the application process. I wouldn't want to bank with them in this case anyway! :mad:

obsessed_saver

kotka4, I believe you mean the Bank of Scotland (BoS), not RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland).

Anyway, this is mentioned in the threads below:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=453936

and MSE Dan's reply on:
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=454192

Never_too_old_to_learn

After you submit your on-line application - on the last page they inform you that the £100 switch incentive has now finished. Sneaky.

kotka4

Thank obsessed saver, and yes it is BoS, sorry my mistake. We are still getting different answers from BoS... Not sure if its worth the hastle, I don't think the bank will pay up.

regularsaver1

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=454192&highlight=halifax

MSE have looked into this

jmf76

When Halifax had the offer a couple of months ago I got a High Interest account in joint names with my OH. Although I won't be able to get the £100, does anyone know if BoS would allow me to open another account in joint names, or at least as a sole applicant?