Opening an Association Account with Lloyds Bank

DartNick

Below is my experience at trying to open a new current account for a newly formed Foster Carers Association.

"I have tried to open an association account for a new Fosters Carers Association with Lloyds Bank. I first tried last week and was promised a phone call back from them last Monday afternoon which I didn't receive. I have been trying again today and finally after being transferred and being given different numbers (8 different people spoken to), I was told that I would have to get the full names, dates of birth, addresses and length of residence of all 4 proposed signatories. I would then have to phone Lloyds Bank with this information. I asked if they could send me the forms so that I could get the people to fill them in and then post them back. No, they said it must be done over the phone. So I asked if they could send me an email detailing all the information they require. No, they said we do not have access to external email. I asked if they could send me a brochure and other information regarding the proposed account. No, they said it is all done over the phone. I asked if I could go into the main branch of the bank in this area and do this there. No, they said again. At this point I gave up and asked to speak to a manager who gave me the same kind of run around. I am just amazed that it is so hard to just get forms from a bank to open what is a very simple type of current account with 4 signatories. You can check this story if you ring 0845 6020484 and try and open a club/society/association account."

Errata

Try the Co-op bank, far less faffing about http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/business/community/community-directplus

Horace

We had a similar problem when trying to find a decent bank for our Friends group, in the end we went with HSBC because they actually had a business manager.

There seems to be a shortage of business managers which is why it is so hard to find accounts for associations. We tried Barclays who lost our paperwork and despite it all being re-submitted they lost it again.

Sometimes it is best to actually make an appointment to see a business manager at a local branch and have a few signatories go with you (all taking proofs of ID and address). I know you just want a current account but these days you have to open them via a business manager when you are a friends group, association, club, charity etc.