Not On Electoral Roll/Business Account

superscaper

A few months ago my mum wanted to change her business account from RBS to Alliance and Leicester but was refused (only thing it could be was because she isn't on Electoral Roll). Tried appealing with all the proof of residency and reference from RBS but still refused.

Today she tried phoning Abbey national to ask whether she will be refused because of not being on Roll. They couldn't say, only to apply and see and then appeal if refused. But that in itself looks bad on credit rating, being refused by banks within a short time.

The RBS business account is a lot of hassle and my mum really wants to change but what can she do? She doesn't want to apply without knowing whether she'll be automatically rejected because of the Roll thing.

superscaper

There must be someone who's got a good business account without being on the electoral roll?!?

[Deleted User]

Why is she not on the electoral roll?

superscaper

Deleted_User wrote:

Why is she not on the electoral roll?

Not a UK citizen; American. So not a question of being put on the electoral roll. Credit check company has a notary thing to say so under electoral roll section but was still refused on appeal for A&L.

Maximillion

can they make the search an "enquiry only" search? that shouldn't effect credit file. best see articles on cards/loans to confirm this but pretty sure it can be done.

superscaper

firstcrowcounter wrote:

can they make the search an "enquiry only" search? that shouldn't effect credit file. best see articles on cards/loans to confirm this but pretty sure it can be done.

Not sure, she specifically asked Abbey if there was any way to find out without actually applying and they said no. But might try again emphasising "enquiry only". They're so useless, can't give a straight answer. They apparently said that the decision was made by computer so noone would be able to tell her without applying. Well someone has to have given the computer the suitable parameters!!! We haven't got to the stage of HAL just yet.

thesaint

Speak to someone in administration, they should be able to answer your question.

superscaper

thesaint wrote:

Speak to someone in administration, they should be able to answer your question.

Apparently not, they said there was noone to be put through to as it's all done on a points system from experian, enough points and you're accepted etc so there wasn't anyone to say whether specifically the electoral roll would matter and by how much. That's the trouble you ask who you can speak to who can give the information and they say there isn't anyone, even if you're put through to a supervisor.

Hoopylass

I dont know if this helps you or not but I was able to open a basic bank account with abbey when i wasnt on the voters roll. I was refused a switch card and it took me over 10 months of being a customer with them to get one.

superscaper

Hoopylass wrote:

I dont know if this helps you or not but I was able to open a basic bank account with abbey when i wasnt on the voters roll. I was refused a switch card and it took me over 10 months of being a customer with them to get one.

I just wish they could give a straight answer beforehand without the risk of damaging my mum's existing credit rating. All she wants to do is transfer a business account from one bank to another. She's been with RBS for about 25 years and lived in this country for 40 years. Hardly a new immigrant and hardly a financial risk. A & L just didn't care and didn't want to know and refused to even answer my mum when she asked what there is she can do. Don't really wnt to end up in the same situation with Abbey. If they take so long to give a switch card for a basic account, could you imagine what it would be like for a business account. It could end up being too financially crippling and heavily restrict my mum's company, in which case it would defeat the point of finding a bank that's less hassle.

gt94sss2

If I recall correctly, last time you asked this question, you were advised to try a 'proper' bank - i.e. HSBC, Barclays etc - and not A&L as while they may have business accounts, they are not the most experienced in this area.

With business accounts, banks would not normally check the electoral role but the accounts and trading history of the company and the big banks will have dedicated business advisor's.

Note: credit records don't note if a person was successful in getting an account or not, only that a search was carried out..

My dad uses HSBC and is happy with them - he doesn't deal with cash and they have a account which charges no routine fees and he does most of his banking online (apart from paying in cheques)

Regards
Sunil