Barclays won't let me open a basic account

steamroller

Hi, I have just returned from a pretty nasty appointment at my local branch of Barclays. They have told me that they will not open a basic bank account for me because I already have one with another bank (which I want to close as I have moved and Barclays is closer). The person I saw left me alone in a room for about 10 minutes while she "checked new paperwork from Head Office" and then returned to tell me that she had spoken to her manager who had confirmed that they are not prepared to let me open a basic bank account as I already have one with another bank. I said that I want to close the other account but it didn't make any difference. She said that the only way they could look at opening any sort of bank account for me is if I went through all of my financial requirements and history, including income, savings, debts, insurance etc. I was totally surprised and upset and left without an account, and I was made to feel like something they had stepped in. Are they correct about this, is this normal? Now I remember why I avoid these places like the plague:(

jonesMUFCforever

Yes a bank can choose not to have you as a customer.
Basic accounts cost to run and as you already have one at another bank Barclays being a business took the decision that they do not want you as a customer.

pmduk

There have been other posts on here detailing the stories Barclays staff will tell to avoid opening basic accounts. You could either talk to a different branch or find a more helpful bank.

steamroller

yes, I have read some of the other posts. Think maybe as they are within their rights to say no to having me as a customer I will make a complaint about them for the manner in which they did it and their general attitude.

jonesMUFCforever

IMO just move on.
A tip for you - if you don't want a full bank account then apply online - then it maybe only the ID you will have to take into a branch - the processing will already have been done.

ses6jwg

Generally basic bank accounts are designed for people who are socially and financially excluded and have no access to any other sort of banking facilities.