We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Need a proper bank account

Hi,

I've currently got a basic bank account (with LLoyds TSB). This comes with a cash card I can only use at their banks, which is a total pain.

Now, I'd like to get back to a real bank account with a debit card but I was told a while back, I'd have to wait for my credit reports to come back. I'm waiting on 2 others, but have the Equifax one back, this shows 5 defaults (all of these happened around the same time - when I lost my job and everything went pearshaped).

Basically, I'm wondering:

1) Is it possible to get another bank account,
2) If so, where should I go?

I'd prefer not to be with HSBC (I still owe them money and I'm paying it back, slowly) or Barclays (I just don't like em).

Thanks,
Luke. :A

P.S: I'd like to learn to drive and buy a car, which means I'm going to need a debit card so I can buy insurance.

P.P.S: Ultimately, I'd like to buy a house as well, but I can't see that happening.

P.P.P.S: I'd also like to point out that at that time (2005), I was constantly living in debt with card repayments going through, but I'm sure that at that time I was being charge to late payments, etc. which caused me to go further into debt. Would I be able to get this back?
«1

Comments

  • james32_uk
    james32_uk Posts: 1,223 Forumite
    1 - Try ringing up Lloyds and asking for a debit card. They can only say no.

    2 - Try Citibank. I'm a registered insolvant and I got a current account with full facilities including debit card.
    Debt as at 12th July 2006 - £61,345 :eek: :eek: :eek:
    Debt free 21st Oct 2011.

    All thanks to :money:
  • Archangel wrote: »
    Hi,

    P.P.P.S: I'd also like to point out that at that time (2005), I was constantly living in debt with card repayments going through, but I'm sure that at that time I was being charge to late payments, etc. which caused me to go further into debt. Would I be able to get this back?

    yes you can get any bank/credit card charges (going back 6 years) back see this article from martin http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1141050760,24632,
  • james23_uk wrote: »
    1 - Try ringing up Lloyds and asking for a debit card. They can only say no.

    Well, I rang them and they said I'd need an appointment. I told them I was back at work from tomorrow and I work shifts so that's not an option. They then said, just pop in next time you're around a TSB.

    So, I went into my local branch and they looked at my account and stated that there was no upgrade available on my account (it's a basic account and would need upgrading). The next review of my account would be on May 18th and this is the only way I'd be able to get a new account there. This information is based on previous credit history/debts still outstanding. :mad:

    So, that's that then. I'm stuck with having to constantly find TSB's whereever I go and make sure I've got enough cash in my pocket when I go shopping/out anywhere.

    Luke.
  • annie-c
    annie-c Posts: 2,542 Forumite
    NatWest will do you a 'Step' account with a solo card that you can use most places. No chequebook though.
  • annie-c wrote: »
    NatWest will do you a 'Step' account with a solo card that you can use most places. No chequebook though.

    I've been thinking about Natwest for a while now :p

    Are SOLO cards actually accepted anywhere these days? I remember when they came out, HSBC decided to give me one at one point, but I couldn't use it anywhere as nobody took it.

    Will I be able to use machines *other than* Natwest ones as this is one of the main sticking points with the card I currently have.

    Thanks,
    Luke.
  • annie-c
    annie-c Posts: 2,542 Forumite
    Yes, I have one of these as an extra account, deliberately set up so that I can access money that I transfer into it, but not go overboard with. I have recently used it at bmibaby, lastminute.com, it is accepted by all supermarkets and most shops. Now that cheques are being phased out, most places accept solo.
  • annie-c wrote: »
    Yes, I have one of these as an extra account, deliberately set up so that I can access money that I transfer into it, but not go overboard with. I have recently used it at bmibaby, lastminute.com, it is accepted by all supermarkets and most shops. Now that cheques are being phased out, most places accept solo.

    Thanks, I'll look into it. I'm wondering whether to try and apply online or go into Natwest and take my credit agency records as well?

    Luke.
  • annie-c
    annie-c Posts: 2,542 Forumite
    If you go in, take 3 forms of ID. they may still need to send your papers away for checking - they did with me because I had recently moved house and wasn't on the electoral roll. If your ID etc are Ok and your credit check is fine then they can activate the account the same day, and will send you a card within a week. You then need to take an acknowledgement slip into a branch (or post it) and your PIN will be sent to you within a further week.

    In all mine took 3 weeks to set up,
  • Archangel wrote: »
    So, that's that then. I'm stuck with having to constantly find TSB's whereever I go and make sure I've got enough cash in my pocket when I go shopping/out anywhere.

    Luke.
    Not necessarily. Have you tried the Co-operative Bank? They offer a Cashminder basic account (no overdraft facilities, no cheque-book or cheque guarantee card), which pretty much anyone can get except those with fraud registered on their credit rating. I've got one & it comes with an Electron card. It can be used for online shopping, at any Link machines & to pay bills over the phone. The Co-op takes a while to set the account up, but once it's done, it's great. I've had one of these cards for years, & I think there have only been a couple of situations where I couldn't use it. :)
  • annie-c wrote: »
    If you go in, take 3 forms of ID. they may still need to send your papers away for checking - they did with me because I had recently moved house and wasn't on the electoral roll. If your ID etc are Ok and your credit check is fine then they can activate the account the same day, and will send you a card within a week. You then need to take an acknowledgement slip into a branch (or post it) and your PIN will be sent to you within a further week.

    In all mine took 3 weeks to set up,

    Well, dunno about the credit check as my Equifax 1 has come back with a number of defaults on different accounts, all around 2 years old, i.e. when things went tits up. Some of these debts are outstanding but are being paid off.

    Luke.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 241K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.