Best Current Account (with Debit Card) for Somebody with No Credit?

goide

Hi all,

I'm wondering if somebody could give me some advice regarding my situation:

I just arrived in the UK recently... I've got my UK Passport and National Insurance Number and I'm looking to open a Basic Bank Account with Debit Card facilities. The problem is that I do believe I have any credit score -- as I just arrived in the UK, I haven't started a job yet and don't have any loans/mortgages, etc and I'm currently staying at a friend's place for accomodation. I realise that this may make it difficult to open any account with debit card facilities as it seems that all the banks will do credit scoring before they let me open an account with them.

Could someone please tell me if I would be able to open any basic account that has a *DEBIT* Card attached to it, and if so, which bank and account I should go with? I opened a Lloyds TSB Basic Bank account the other week but it only has a Cashcard with it, and I really require a debit card.

Thanks in advance for your help

jonesMUFCforever

I think you will find it very difficult to get a debit card straight away.
You can do certain things to speed things up 1. Ensure your salary is credited direct to bank account (this will include any benefits such as job seekers etc) 2. Get yourself registered on electoral roll 3.Get yourself a BT landline to build up some bill payment credit score.

No bank will give you a debit card whilst unemployed so don't waste your time trying.

Fedz

You're going to find it difficult to start off with a current account with debit card but, you might strike lucky if you pick and choose which are the most likelyiest.

The co-op have a basic bank account called cashminder that has visa debit (Visa Electron) with branch, phone and internet access.

A good account but, might have trouble upgrading it to a full current account.

NatWest is another. The account is called Step with Solo debit card (UK) and maestro and cirrus (UK/abroad), this also has branch, phone and internet access.

Could be better at upgrading at a later date to a full current account.

The good thing about the NatWest Step account is it has a local branch sort code, which I think looks better on any future credit applications.

ClydsDale and Yorkshire bank also have a basic bank account with debit card (Maestro).

Another way: open eg: an Halifax WebSaver cashcard account, after about 3-6 months of regular credits, apply for a current account with them.

As you don't have an external credit score the banks can internal credit score based on your present account(s) activity.

I also understand Barclaycard (credit card) are highly approachable at opening accounts for people recently arriving in this country with valid passports and details to confirm.

Hope this helps

smithja

The Clydesdale Bank/Yorkshire Bank will give you a 2in1 Maestro Debit Card (a proper Maestro card not a SOLO card in disguise) that can be used at all places that previously took Switch, and now Maestro and will act as an ATM card. and you can withdrawn and deposit money at any Post Office using the card and PIN. They will only check you are not bankrupt, and all you need are two pieces of ID, one for personal identification and one for address. The account is not credit scored and takes no accont of your employment status.ejones999 is incorrect.A number of other banks offer the same type of what is called a basic bank account, NatWest issue a SOLO card, which can be used abroad as Maestro but not in the UK and I have tried to use it as Maestro abroad and it did not work. The other banks either issue only ATM cards, that can also be used to withdraw cash in any Post Office, or a Visa Electron card which is slowly being replaced by 2-in-1 Visa Debit cards that are embossed, and still check you balance as all of these cards will before allowing the transaction to go through.Hope this helps.James

khurammm

Halifax offers an EasyCash account with Visa Electron debit card. 6 months ago I was in the same situation as you are in now but got this account any way.