Need a bank account, help please

endorobbed21

Hi Guys,

Im having a nightmare and have read through lots of posts but cannot find one relating to my predicament.

I like most of the people using this site used to have a great job, plenty of cash, credit cards I could handle etc.......... Now my reality is very different Simply I Got Sick!!!

I had an account with Lloyds TSB for over 25 years but due to going overdrawn and me not being on top of post etc... They closed it. I didnt know this and had turned up at bank to pay money in that would off covered overdraft and left it healthy. They informed me it was closed last week and that they would no longer wish me as a customer. I explained my situation but they didnt care, so I said at least let me pay what was owed they refused it and said they are not bothered and neither should I be.

Its now 6 months down the line and I need a bank account as Ive received a cheque from HMRC and am starting to look for a job as Ive been denied any disability help and have to live.

I have read through all the forums and want to ask what I should do before doing more damage. I haven't applied for any credit or anything for years.

Do I
1. apply on line to say hsbc for a normal account and hope to god they let me have one?
or
2. apply for a basic account and again hope they give me one?

any guidance would be welcoming because I honestly feel worthless and am struggling to go on.

Thanks in advance xx

thatsean

You missed a fair bit of mail through "not keeping on top of post"... there are folks (including myself) on the DFW board that can help further.

I wouldn't apply for a full service account unless you've seen your credit file. There is no doubt a string of markers from Lloyds - and maybe a default.

Get a basic account with a bank in a different group (ie not Halifax), and get your credit reports to see what else is waiting for you.

endorobbed21

Thankyou for replying so quickly. I have looked online and HSBS seem to be the only bank I have nothing with but even there basic accounts require a credit check and Im scared I will be refused.

I have been very ill and unable to cope, not being able to work or claim has affected me completely. I used to be so on top of things and now I hide from the telephone, postman and any knocks on the door. What am I meant to do???
I have tried speaking with the debt collection agencies and explaining that due to severe illness and no help I cannot pay anything as I am living on fresh air but they keep harassing me. I have no self worth and really struggling to go on. I struggle to walk even from bedroom to bathroom and cannot eat as it hurts to much. I have had about 63 major surgeries and each one promises a cure and all I get is worse, yet my illness is not classed as a disability. Its souls destroying, just because you cannot see a physical limb dropping off doesnt mean to say that im ok

Apologies for not being able to put a spin on things but thats how I am at present. By the way I need a bank account to get a credit check from what Ive seen on internet.

Thanks again x

thatsean

The basic accounts generally require an ID, rather than a credit check. Also, don't forget Nationwide, Coventry BS, Yorks BS etc.

I don't really understand the ins and outs of benefits, but why are you not able to claim? Is there a local support group for your condition that can offer you some local support?

endorobbed21

I dont have those banks near to me and can only drive on good days when I havent taken morphine and oxycodone but thanks. I cant handle the humiliation of being treated like !!!! in a branch, think it would push me over the edge.

I dont understand why i cannot claim apart from I live with my partner who works and have a mortgage. His money goes on to try and keep us afloat. I do not take any money from him except for my prescriptions, we are behind with mortgage and he has a few credit cards that he has agreements on.

I dont understand why I cannot claim as I can back up everything and one word from my doctor would prove everything. I am looking into claiming again just trying to work out my answers that they will accept prior to doing so. I have friends that have told me to lie and say we have spilt up etc... they do this and get everything chucked at them but I am an honest person and know that I would get caught and end up in more !!!!! I have friends that have been depressed for years and claim the lot even disability cars yet they have nothing wrong with them and think the world owes them a living. Its so wrong.

As for support groups there is one about 10 miles away but to be honest i cannot get to them, I went once but felt guilty as everyone there had my illness but nowhere near as bad and I scared them.

Thanks for being so normal towards me its lovely xx

endorobbed21

Do you think if I went into HSBC with cheque to open account I might be more successful?
x

thatsean

You can apply for teh nationwide account online, follow the links to apply for flexaccount, and during the app process it will either approve, offer you the basic service account, or decline.

I doubt an opening balance would make any difference with HSBC, from what i've seen on here all they do is take the filled in application form and send it to a special team to process.

Barclays and CoOp tend to be the best for not treating basic bank account holders as second rate citizens.

endorobbed21

thats great, I will apply tomorrow and hope to god that i get it. I need an account to claim benefits and to try and pay everyone back. Its stupid really that someone just wanting to pay money in and not have any extras/benefits has to struggle. The banks started this and seem so unwilling to help.

Thank you soo soo much you really have been amazing .
xx

BASFORDLAD

You can open a non credit scored account with Cov building society online

thatsean

Just to second that the service from the Cov is great - helpful phone staff and useable if not overly pretty online banking, so even if you're not in the Midlands they are a good choice. I used to use them as my main bank, despite being a 35 mile drive from my nearest branch. The callsave money manager allows DD and SO, and comes with an ATM card.

endorobbed21

Great news:) Ive got a bank account with Nationwide.
Thank you to everyone who posted info and took time to help me. I love this website x