Need basic bank account, YB refused, PO needs exisiting current acc?

wwwigz

Hi,

I have looked at the valuable information contained on this site and have recently tried to open an account with Yorkshire bank, who refused to open a basic account due to not enough ID (I think it's because I won't be depositing a significant amount) I tried to open a Post Office 'Online Saver Account' just now, but it says that I need a current account to deposit the £1 needed to open the account?
I don't have a current account, which is why I am trying to open a Post Office account!

I am getting very confused!

I have put in a tax credits application (which seems to have been lost but TC people say wait 3 weeks) and need an account to get the TC put into, and as I gain self employed employment, along with possible employed employment ... but I can't seem to open any bog standard basic bank account.

It seems as though I'm at stalemate with opening a bank account, and even though I have trawled this site looking for advice and information, it seems I am out of options!

Any help/advice that any one can give would be brilliant as I'm now in a position where I hav no income, and am unable to even get tax credits paid - I have no money at all!

Help!

SuperHan

Did you try to open your YB online? Are you on the electoral roll at your address? If not, they may not have been able to verify your ID, hence the decline. Not having enough ID shouldn't have anything to do with not having a significant deposit.

It's a current account you need, so there's no use in opening a savings account with the PO. Have you tried any other banks or going in to branch?

wwwigz

Hi,
No I went into branch, and over 2 weeks of supplying them with various bits of ID, they declined. The only reason they gave was 'insufficient ID' They didn't give any further details as to specifics.

I have just gotten off the phone to the Co-Op - The guy on the other end of the phone tried to open a standard current account which wasn't successful, but then he suggested open a 'Cash Minder' account, which was successful following sufficient ID.
I have a passport that is out of date, anda provisional driving licence which has an old address on it - I have no money to update these documents. So he said that correspondance from the DWP (I was getting JSA within the last 6 months) would be sufficient.

I am sending off all the correspondance from the DWP in the last 6 months, and will find out by the middle of next week if my application is successful. The guy lead me to believe that my 'right to benefits' would be ID enough for the Cash Minder account if my PP/PDL weren't sufficient.

I will update this thread when I know.

My advice to anyone reading this who is finding it hard to get any Bank Account is: Try The Co-Op!

agrinnall

Change of address on a driving licence is free so having no money is not an excuse.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022088

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You can update your driving licence online or send it to DVLA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free of charge unless your photograph’s due for renewal.

wwwigz

I only have a provisional, and no where near enough funds to pay for lessons and the test, so keeping my provisional up to date wasn't one of my priorities.

However, thank you for your input, I will fish it out and get it updated.

agrinnall wrote: »

Change of address on a driving licence is free so having no money is not an excuse.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022088

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately of any changes to your name, address or both. You can update your driving licence online or send it to DVLA for amendment. A new licence will be issued free of charge unless your photograph’s due for renewal.

wwwigz

It humours me that they take the tax, then we have to tell them how much they should be taking...and then, tax credit payments are usually alot more than we pay in tax. </facepalm>

George_S wrote: »

New simplified income tax protocol:

1. How much money did you make this year?

2. Send it to us.

sandraroffey

santander gave me a basic bank account, easy peasy. was done and set up within a few days.

izools

wwwigz wrote: »

I have no money to update these documents

It doesn't cost a penny to update the address on your drivers license.

wwwigz

I sent my ID documents (HMRC correspondance with Tax Ref on, and a letter from DWP) on Friday, but received a letter yesterday (Monday - which must have crossed in the post) stating that information provided by a Credit Reference agency (Experian) have contributed to a decision to decline the preliminary offer of the Cash Minder account.

Whether or not I update my privisional driving licence, I'm not gonna get any further until my credit rating is repaired?

How do I do that?
And what options do I have now for a much needed bank account?

pmduk

You might be best trying for a savings account such as Natwest's First Reserve, it comes with a visa debit card and offers most of the facilities of a basic bank account. (except DDs). They may be able to verify your id without documents if you're on the electoral register.

sleepless_saver

wwwigz wrote: »

I sent my ID documents (HMRC correspondance with Tax Ref on, and a letter from DWP) on Friday, but received a letter yesterday (Monday - which must have crossed in the post) stating that information provided by a Credit Reference agency (Experian) have contributed to a decision to decline the preliminary offer of the Cash Minder account.

Have you had a look at your Experian record? Best to check in case there is wrong info there which is affecting your chances.