Having real issues obtaining a free bank account.

Deep_In_Debt

Just to reiterate what others have said - ditch the fee charging dmp company and ignore all the hot air they are likely to come out with - they will do no more for you than a non-charging one.

My local Credit Union does basic bank accounts - do you have one near you? Not sure how it works in terms of what they require to open one but it might be worth a try? You can set up dd's and so's but not sure if they come with debit card - might just be a cash point card.

[Deleted User]

henryJSB wrote: »

That's the issue though Joolz, I seem to be getting rejected from these basic bank accounts that are open to everyone, and I'm trying to figure out why.

Have you been in person to the banks to try to open the accounts, or is this via the debt management firm you use? What reason have they given you?

Try Barclays - as long as you have ID (passport/driving licence) you should be ok. I went with a friend to open one and she is facing a DRO with zero assets & only benefits for income.

henryJSB

joolzred wrote: »

Have you been in person to the banks to try to open the accounts, or is this via the debt management firm you use? What reason have they given you?

Try Barclays - as long as you have ID (passport/driving licence) you should be ok. I went with a friend to open one and she is facing a DRO with zero assets & only benefits for income.

I have been in person to every account I have applied for.

Have already tried Barclays. Went in to book the appointment, came back a week later for the appointment - went through the application, it was then referred for further vetting, came back a week later to have them tell me I'd been denied. When I asked why because I thought it was open to anybody the woman just looked at me blankly and said she had no idea.

Hence why I've made a thread here because it's been so time consuming, I was wondering If I had been missing something. All my basic account applications have been done by me and me alone and not through my DMP. I keep getting rejected and I'm not told why, so it's just an endless cycle repeating it's self until I'm eventually rejected for every basic account there is - or until someone tells me why I'm being rejected.

wannabee_in_credit

I got a basic bank account through Yorkshire bank, but most people on here would point you towards the co-op cashminder. I went into branch, explained my situation and they opened me an account within 2 hours. I have no complaints with Yorkshire - however, I've not been in any trouble for the 2 and a half years I've been there.

henryJSB

I applied for my YB readycash account over the phone. I haven't heard back but I'm certain it's going to be a no.

I want to go into a branch and fully explain my situation, but I don't know if it's worth the time. I'm not being funny but most banks I go into, the people there seem clueless? I've even had occasions where they don't even know about the basic account I'm meant to be talking about.

When I talk about DMP's, having my identity stolen etc. I'm usually met with blank stares. I feel utterly lost trying to explain my situation to people, especially the people who work at ground level in banks because they just don't have a clue what I'm on about.

[Deleted User]

It's definitely worth being totally upfront about the situation. Also, if they give you no reason/not good enough reason then definitely write/email to complain. Make an appointment to see an account advisor?

If you still get no luck, kick a fuss with Martin lewis on board! :money:

[Deleted User]

Maybe it is worth a letter to the bank's customer services dept?
then they would have to hopefully expand their answer

Also maybe refer to the FSA (Financial Services Authority) - I remember they once produced a booklet on basic accounts -visit moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

[Deleted User]

I think it is disgraceful that this gentleman cannot get a basic banking account - can anyone connected to MSE help please?

fracturedsun

This seems very strange. The only reason I can think of why you would be rejected for any of these accounts is if there is a problem confirming you identity. (Alternatively it is possible that the banks keep trying to sign you up to an account with an overdraft and you have failed the credit check. You need to be very clear that you do not want an overdraft or any other credit facility, sometimes the people filing the applications don't pay attention to what you are actually asking them).

Have you tried checking you credit report(s) and making sure all the names and addresses on there match the information you are giving the bank(s)?

I can't think of anything else you can try except to keep persisting and if you get rejected try talking to a supervisor/manager who can explain why.

henryJSB

fracturedsun wrote: »

This seems very strange. The only reason I can think of why you would be rejected for any of these accounts is if there is a problem confirming you identity. (Alternatively it is possible that the banks keep trying to sign you up to an account with an overdraft and you have failed the credit check. You need to be very clear that you do not want an overdraft or any other credit facility, sometimes the people filing the applications don't pay attention to what you are actually asking them).

Have you tried checking you credit report(s) and making sure all the names and addresses on there match the information you are giving the bank(s)?

I can't think of anything else you can try except to keep persisting and if you get rejected try talking to a supervisor/manager who can explain why.

I tried to get my credit report, but I was met with another roadblock in which I had to confirm my identity. I haven't got round to doing it yet, I think I have to send forms off and stuff.

I DEFINITELY 100% always ask for the basic account. I make sure they know that, because they ALWAYS ask me why I won't get a normal current account to which I respond explaining my credit history.

Thanks Joolz for keeping this bumped. This is SO frustrating.

I've JUST got off the phone to Yorkshire Bank, guess what - they've lost my application too!?!?!?!?! This is the sort of thing that makes a man extremely paranoid. Has anyone heard of anything like this happening to anyone before?

To clarify:

Applied for Barclays in branch, was referred - then I was rejected.

Applied for Co-Op Cashminder in branch, rang up to check status of application after 10 days - was told application had been lost and to apply again.

Applied for Yorkshire Bank readycash account over the phone. Was told I'd hear back in 48 hours. 48 hours past, rang up today to check status of application - was told application had been lost and to apply again.

This is utterly bizarre? I'm at a loss here.