Just turned 18, what to do?

Josh1234_2

Hi,

I have just turned 18 and I currently have a current account with Natwest (Current Plus Account). This consists of a Solo debit card and a cheque book. The interest is rubbish on the account. Can I now upgrade to a Switch debit card? Are there any other accounts out there that are better for me?

Cheers

Josh

braken2000

i upgraded my account with barclays and the wouldnt have me, went to natwest who i was still with and they gave me a maestro card and cheque guarantee (£100) no hassle, stick with natwest cos they are quiet good for student accounts, if you go with barclays they charge you £4 a month to get freebies, but im not sure if this is compulsory, hope iv been some help

Tony_H_3

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newfoundglory

I'd stick with your current bank. While there are some excellent deals out there, practically, chances are you simply won't qualify straight away for a full current account + debit card elsewhere given your age and lack of credit history, unless you earn a lot or have a lot of savings. Most application forms from other banks are going to ask where you currently bank and the credit features which come with your exising account (eg, cheque cards).

Ask natwest if they will upgrade your account for you, and if they say yes, i'd accept. Switching to a Switch/Maestro card is unlikely to improve any sort of interest rate or give you a great deal, and natwest don't have very competitive savings accounts; look elsewhere for a good savings account and use it - ING Direct, A&L Online Saver, Halifax for Regular Saver and Monthly Saver (monthly saver pays a bit extra interest if you are under the age of 21).