I've got the basic bank account blues....

shammyjack

Try http://www.smile.co.uk

They are usually more helpfull, typically cheque book, debit card and £500 overdraught facility on first account.

No branches but can pay in at post offices and Co-op Bank who own them .

shammy

butch_dingle_2

Well, some update to this which others may find useful. After sending the appeal letter to the A&L, last week, I got a letter this morning welcoming me as a "current account customer". Never being one to take these at face value, I was curious as to what this meant, so I called them.

The girl on the phone was very pleasant, and confirmed that the account I had been given was definitely not a "basic" account, but couldnt at that time establish what type of debit card I would be given with the account. She said it would either be a visa electron or visa delta, but this would only become clear when I sent the current account agreement form in to them.

So I will send it in and see what happens. Not taking anything for granted though...

inmypocketnottheirs

butch_dingle wrote: »

Well, some update to this which others may find useful. After sending the appeal letter to the A&L, last week, I got a letter this morning welcoming me as a "current account customer". Never being one to take these at face value, I was curious as to what this meant, so I called them.

The girl on the phone was very pleasant, and confirmed that the account I had been given was definitely not a "basic" account, but couldnt at that time establish what type of debit card I would be given with the account. She said it would either be a visa electron or visa delta, but this would only become clear when I sent the current account agreement form in to them.

So I will send it in and see what happens. Not taking anything for granted though...

Good news and well done. Please keep us informed.

butch_dingle_2

inmypocketnottheirs wrote: »

Good news and well done. Please keep us informed.

OK - so to keep you informed.

Last week whilst on holiday I got the account number, telephone pin, card pin and welcome pack. I called them up yesterday and they confirmed the account was active, and I sent a £100 from my natwest account to make sure.

Today I got the debit card (Visa). I have also signed up for internet banking, and they have setup a related high interested instant access account.

Very impressed with the service so far - people on the phone are really friendly, and also I can use my local branches for any business I need to do.

The phone advisors told me my account is a "normal" premier direct current account, with no special markers, or alerts to say that I am "not normal".

I would advise anyone, who feels they deserve a better account than they have at the moment to try A&L. Be prepared to send an appeal letter and copies of bank statements for the past few months, but it would seem that they really do listen.


good luck.

owensmum75

My partner has had a basic account for two years and despite 900 going in a month they won't upgrade him. All he wants is an account he can do DD's with. And a debit card. All he has is a cashpoint card. Good for nowt basically. He's with Barclays incidentally.

The last time we went into the branch and asked, they offered him a Barclays Initial credit card. So they're happy to help him into debt but won't give him a decent bank account!!