Consolidated debted accounts, looking for basic bank account and debit card

leecovuk

hello,

I'm aware of the long 'basic bank account' thread but it's kind of too long to work through.

My 3 questions at this stage are:-

1) Having been in debt for around a year, (overdrafted Lloyds TSB current account and defaulted Lloyds TSB personal loan) my accounts were recently closed by Lloyds and consolidated.
Am I right in thinking that I can now only be considered elsewhere for a _basic_ bank account? ie presumably 'word may have spread'.
(I've seen talk of Citibank being flexible on acceptance to a current account but I feel I should use a bank with at least one branch in my city)

2) If so, what are a current couple of recommendations for a basic bank account? I need a debit card, direct debits and standing orders. Can live without a chequebook if necessary.

3) Which debit card should I look for associated with a basic bank account? Are all debit cards comparable and accepted throughout the UK and online? eg, Solo, Maestro, Visa, Switch, Visa Electron, etc.

Thanks for replying;
if you only want to reply to one or two of the 3 points, it might be good of you to kindly clarify which one you are answering.

Many thanks,
Lee
Coventry

lavivadiva

Hi Lee

Having been in the same situation as my you. I know all about this.
I managed to get a step account with Natwest. They provide you with a debit card. Which is a solo/maestro card. So you can pay for items on line and in shops. You can also try the Bank of Scotland easy cash account. That is the same. These other 3 accounts all offer a debit card for its basic bank account.
Clydesdale ready cash, Ulster Step account and Yorkshire bank ready cash.
They will all accept you only if you have never been suspected of fraud or have not disclosed that you were bankcrupt.
I hope this helps

Rachel

leecovuk

Hello Rachel,

It so happens, after much procrastination and pondering, I did indeed open a Step account with Natwest.
I had finally sold my flat around that time so also opened a savings account with them at the same time.
I suspected/assumed that the considerable deposit from the sale may have turned their eyes from any poor credit rating I may have had when I applied for banking with them.

Lee

keppoch1970

To be honest lol, I have been in debt many more years than your good self. Over 6 now. I have 2 basic bank accs open, but only one in use-Halifax Cardcash which is great for my needs for it has a Visa Electron card enabling me to have my supermarket shopping delivered & to purchase other goods online. Plus I get to use the chip&pin in the stores so no 2cd class citizenship. oh, 7 under £10 transactions I use the post office. Hope this helps:>)

skyrider007

Citibank is lenient on people with history. Their most popular basic ACCESS account comes with a cheque book and a full VISA debit card. Cash and cheques can be paid in at LTSB branches. Online banking is also good. I recommend Citibank.

christhesparky_2

skyrider007 wrote: »

Citibank is lenient on people with history. Their most popular basic ACCESS account comes with a cheque book and a full VISA debit card. Cash and cheques can be paid in at LTSB branches. Online banking is also good. I recommend Citibank.

Unfortunately citibank aint so lenient anymore, i was refused one of their access current accounts yesterday!!

danielharris91

christhesparky wrote: »

Unfortunately citibank aint so lenient anymore, i was refused one of their access current accounts yesterday!!

Did they ask you for any information before rejecting you? I applied online and was told to send my password and proof of address.

christhesparky_2

Applied online, they sent me the forms to sign and send back with identification, (copies of recent bank statement etc...)

Recieved letter back yesterday saying my application was unsuccessful but i could appeal if i wished