Halifax Stupidity

thepie · 13 April 2007 at 4:27PM

Having read the advice on Student Bank Accounts on this site, I wheeled my son into our local Halifax branch to open a Student Bank Account. He's off to Uni in October for four years and is filling out his Student Loan forms.
First impression was that the banking hall was a ridiculously chaotic place but we perservered and finally saw an advisor.
"Can I open a Student Bank Account" said my son. Well, we haven't got any in-branch account advisors but you can speak to someone on the phone.
Went to in-branch phone and went through process, only for my son to be turned down because ... wait for it ... he didn't have a credit record!

DOH! He's a student, opening his first bank account, you know the one, where they get their customers for life or so the research says.

Well, the Halifax has just lost a customer - for life.

We went to the Nationwide. No problem!

The question is, how can this site continue to recommend the Halifax when they won't give students a Student Bank Account?

RTNI · 13 April 2007 at 5:08PM

What bank does (or did) he bank with at the moment? Did he upgrade his existing Nationwide account to a student account?

thepie · 13 April 2007 at 5:26PM

He only has a savings account with the Nationwide and Nationwide do not offer a "Students Account." He applied for a Flexaccount, the Nationwide standard Current Account.

The difference was a totally friendly and helpful staff member who understood the application was from a student. We will have to wait to see what is offered. However, Nationwide might not offer a 0% overdraft, a pity really as I'm sure they could be even more friendly to potential life long customers, but at least they dealt with the application.

dexters_mum_2 · 13 April 2007 at 5:34PM

Thats awful! I'd seriously consider making a complaint to Halifax, as you say, your son could have been a very loyal and long standing customer to Halifax!

garagemc · 13 April 2007 at 6:18PM

I am ashamed.

regularsaver1 · 16 April 2007 at 7:19PM

If he was an existing savings customer with halifax it would be more likely

is he on the electoral roll? how long at address . all taken into consideration

it is harder to get a student current account than a normal once, due to the overdraft facility

no point of complaining - this is underwriting

i didn;t get my halifax student account until my 2nd year - in my first I used my halifax visa electron. it built up my relationship with them

Kilty_2 · 16 April 2007 at 8:28PM

Did he get offered a Debit Card from Nationwide?

regularsaver1 · 16 April 2007 at 8:40PM

Yeah because my brother - 19. applied for full nationwide account and did not get a full debit card.

He is currently in Oz - so free withdrawals, and off to uni in september, but did NOT get offered full account

Kilty_2 · 16 April 2007 at 9:19PM

Yeah, I have the full account without a debit card (ie, has a cheque book, cheques clear for withdrawal in 3 working days, etc).

I'd have thought that if the OP's son has no credit history, they'd be in the same position.

I'm hoping to upgrade my Nationwide account so I'm keeping a decent amount of savings with them + making regular payments into the account. Hoping the fact I now (in theory, awaiting welcome pack) hold a Lloyds TSB Business Current Account helps my case also

catz747 · 16 April 2007 at 10:04PM

Bank for life? I went with Natwest when I was a student and ditched them not long after I finished for their appauling student advisor and general unhelpful attitude.