need new current account asap

dobs

Hi all, basically im separating from my husband and im ashamed to admit he has always done all the finances side for the last nineteen years. We have a joint current acc with santander and an attached savings one which is in my name only.

im applying for a house to rent but the landlord needs first payment on 27th july, so i need an account by then. Do i need an appointment to go in to the bank to open one or can i just turn up? Also could anyone tell me how long is takes for an account to be set up? Sorry if they are daft questions only my heads spinning a bit at the moment, thanks v much x

dobs

also just wondering is it easier to have an online account, i actually want two, one for my wages the other for me to pay my bills from but does that meant i cant get cash out from the bank?x
i also have a thousand pounds in my linked savings account to pay for my house deposit but need that ready in an account for the 27thx

You-kip

Just apply online to any of the banks and within a week if accepted you'll receive your debit card & Pin.

ColdIron

This may not help but if you're within the M25 you could try Metro Bank. You apply in branch and if you're accepted you walk out with a cheque book and debit card

DCFC79

dobs wrote: »

also just wondering is it easier to have an online account, i actually want two, one for my wages the other for me to pay my bills from but does that meant i cant get cash out from the bank?x

Open up 2 accounts with 2 different banks but from different banking groups and you should be ok if a problem occurs like what what occured at RBS group.

Apply for the accounts online or you can do it in person.

wavy_davy

I walked into several of the major banks a few Saturdays ago. Some insisted on an appointment, some kept me hanging around so long I walked out. The only one who saw me straight away was Halifax, and I left the bank with a new current account.

innovate

You don't even have to spend time going to Branches. Just open one online now.

The sending of cards, online access information and/or card readers will take a bit longer, whether you apply online or in Branch (with the exception of Metro Bank, as has already been mentioned).

It's a long time since I needed to set up a new online access but I seem to remember there's one or two banks who are quite quick about it - Lloyds being one of them. Santander might be another quick option, but the OP might not want to open her own account at the same bank where she has a joint account, just to remove any risk of any mix-ups.

Natwest, Barclays and Nationwide all need the card reader before they allow you to make any payments. HSBC take an eternity over sending you the card and online access info.

You-kip

innovate wrote: »

You don't even have to spend time going to Branches. Just open one online now.

The sending of cards, online access information and/or card readers will take a bit longer, whether you apply online or in Branch (with the exception of Metro Bank, as has already been mentioned).

It's a long time since I needed to set up a new online access but I seem to remember there's one or two banks who are quite quick about it - Lloyds being one of them. Santander might be another quick option, but the OP might not want to open her own account at the same bank where she has a joint account, just to remove any risk of any mix-ups.

Natwest, Barclays and Nationwide all need the card reader before they allow you to make any payments. HSBC take an eternity over sending you the card and online access info.

Barclays you don't need a card reader to make payments.

Gromitt

innovate wrote: »

It's a long time since I needed to set up a new online access but I seem to remember there's one or two banks who are quite quick about it - Lloyds being one of them.

If you have the cash, you can open an account inside a Lloyds branch, and then deposit and transfer funds the same day. They will charge £25 for the priviledge however, so best to wait for the online information and do it yourself.

innovate wrote: »

HSBC take an eternity over sending you the card and online access info.

I asked HSBC this and then said it was 14 days after you received the account information pack before they ordered the card. I can only think of one reason for this: reduce costs.

rb10

innovate wrote: »

Natwest, Barclays and Nationwide all need the card reader before they allow you to make any payments.

But you can still make payments by telephone banking before you have the card reader.

Caladan

Gromitt wrote: »

If you have the cash, you can open an account inside a Lloyds branch, and then deposit and transfer funds the same day. They will charge £25 for the priviledge however, so best to wait for the online information and do it yourself.

I asked HSBC this and then said it was 14 days after you received the account information pack before they ordered the card. I can only think of one reason for this: reduce costs.

This is entirely incorrect information, the staff member who told you that is an ill-informed muppet.

Once the account is opened the card is sent out within 3-5 working days, and as long as the customer has set up security details the secure key (on-line device) should be received within 5 working days as well.

As an aside - On-line applications ultimately take LONGER than opening an account in branch for most banks, as the branch can give you your account details, secure key and internet banking login codes immediately.

OP,
You need Identification (ideally passport or driving licence) and proof of address (Bank statement/utility bill etc), you can generally open an account straight away if you go to a branch but it depends how busy it is.

I wouldn't suggest opening your new account with your current bank as if the joint account is overdrawn they can off-set your money in your new account against it (although I don't think many actually do this for marital disputes).