A Normal Current Account again?

moohound

I have a basic bank account with HSBC which I opened when I went into debt management in 2012, I have now been debt free for nearly a year and I was wondering if I could have a normal current account again yet.

I do not want any kind of overdraft facility or a credit card ever again, but I would like to do things like have a cheque book (to pay for small extras at my son's school) and be able to open savings accounts through the internet banking.

I don't want to go into the branch and ask if it is going to be a definite no, I bring home £2250 to £2500 a month, and have managed my basic account well in the 20 months I have had it.

innovate

You need to have a look at your credit files. Noddle is free, if you avoid their invitations to sign up to something chargeable.

If you have defaults on your credit file, it will most likely be impossible to get a full current account. But your existing account provider might allow you an upgrade - it's a matter of asking them.

moohound

I have never checked my credit file, but I am sure I will still have 9 defaults which will be on there for another 4 years at least.

I think I will go into the branch and expect a "no" and if they say yes it will be a bonus I suppose.

SurfKing

moohound wrote: »

I have never checked my credit file, but I am sure I will still have 9 defaults which will be on there for another 4 years at least.

I think I will go into the branch and expect a "no" and if they say yes it will be a bonus I suppose.

Did you default on any loans from HSBC? If so they might be unwilling to give you a full account.

It might not be impossible to get a full account somewhere, but it will likely be impossible to get one with any bank you defaulted on.

kpearsoncj

hsbc do i decit card with basic account would this not meet your needs already?

grumbler

moohound wrote: »

I do not want any kind of overdraft facility or a credit card ever again, but I would like to do things like have a cheque book

You can have a full account with a chequebook and without agreed overdraft limit, but this won't stop you getting overdrawn and being charged for this. Having an agreed limit, but not using it makes life much easier

matttye

grumbler wrote: »

You can have a full account with a chequebook and without agreed overdraft limit, but this won't stop you getting overdrawn and being charged for this. Having an agreed limit, but not using it makes life much easier

Not if you never go anywhere near emptying your account.

I can't remember the last time I had less than £500 in my account and I have no arranged overdraft.

moohound

I never have less than £200 when the next payday comes round, I am used to being frugal, but since I've been debt free I have spent quite a lot on the house on things that needed replacing (like the lumpy matress, redecorating new curtains etc.) and had been put off, but it's all pretty much done now and I really want to start saving a decent amount now.

I will go into the bank and see what they say, I have never owed HSBC a penny, so have no defaults with them.

I have the basic account with a debit card, and this is great 99% of the time , it's just odd things like school extras, I have to ask someone to write me a cheque and then give them the money.

Tremour-88

Could try First Direct, I got accepted for 2 accounts with them in January (1 joint 1 single both with £500 OD) .

I have a default on my file with 15 or so missed payments from 3+ years ago but they opened my accounts without any issues.

+ It's within the HSBC banking group so you'll have history with them.