Can't get a bank account

ryan121uk

Hi All

i was wondering if anybody could suggest an account for me please as i have tried Barclay's/ Co-op/ Halifax/ HSBC / RBS / Lloyds / NatWest and Santander now and can't even get a basic/cash card account.

I am on the Electoral Roll and have been at my house for 7 years now, i don't have any open credit and nothing is showing on my credit file (i have checked with all 3 agencies)

Just started a new job and the employer requires a bank account to pay wages in to and i can't seem to get accepted anywhere.

Thanks in advance for your help

~Beanie~

Are they giving you any reasons? Co-op and Barclays usually offer basic bank accounts to most people, it seems strange that you can't get one. How are you applying, online or in person?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Have you tried Nationwide?

Anthorn

~Beanie~ wrote: »

Are they giving you any reasons? Co-op and Barclays usually offer basic bank accounts to most people, it seems strange that you can't get one. How are you applying, online or in person?

I agree especially regarding Co-operative Bank which I have personal experience of. I'd say read the T&Cs and see if there is anything in there which is blocking your application. For example if you have an IVA Co-op Bank will not open an account or if you already have an account they will close it. Then if you comply with the T&Cs ask them to look at the application again. Note that you should be applying for the Cashminder account which is their basic bank account.

woollisox

Lloyds have an account that you should be able to get. It doesn't allow you to use any cashpoints that aren't lloyds but you're very likely to get accepted. If you haven't already, try to apply in-branch.

henm2

You should be able to get a basic account provided you are not classed as bankrupt/ have an IVA.
The main problems with getting a basic account or any new account usually revolve around proof of ID and address as banks will only accept certain original documents.
Usual proof of ID accepted is a valid passport or current driving licence. Proof of address document is usually a recent utility bill. A recent proof of benefits letter is also accepted for basic accounts for address purposes.

scoobydoothedog

You could try Yorkshire Building Society's cash transactor account or Coventry Building Society and its Moneymanager account. These accounts are cash card only ones but at least you would have somewhere to deposit your wages.

You could try a local credit union as they sometimes have a current account open to anyone.

Good luck.

Atidi

ryan121uk wrote: »

Hi All

i was wondering if anybody could suggest an account for me please as i have tried Barclay's/ Co-op/ Halifax/ HSBC / RBS / Lloyds / NatWest and Santander now and can't even get a basic/cash card account.

I am on the Electoral Roll and have been at my house for 7 years now, i don't have any open credit and nothing is showing on my credit file (i have checked with all 3 agencies)

Just started a new job and the employer requires a bank account to pay wages in to and i can't seem to get accepted anywhere.

Thanks in advance for your help

As ~Beanie~ in post#2 asks, have you had a reason why you are being declined?

Check the 3 Credit Reference Agencies. Not only might it indicate why, but I think you will almost certainly be surprised what they have on you if you really don't think you have any form of credit after livinbg at the same address for the past 7 years.

Try any local branch of a building society and see if they will provide you with a passbook account. As there is no chance of ever obtaining credit on these, I can't see why they would want to carry out any credit check. The employer will be able to pay into that in the same way as he pays into any other employee's bank account

xylophone

Check the 3 Credit Reference Agencies.

OP appears to have done this - see post 1

I am on the Electoral Roll and have been at my house for 7 years now, i don't have any open credit and nothing is showing on my credit file (i have checked with all 3 agencies)

Or a simple Yorkshire internet saver might suit - the salary can be paid in and an atm card is provided.

http://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/online/internet-saver.html

Game_Over

ryan121uk wrote: »

...
I am on the Electoral Roll and have been at my house for 7 years now, i don't have any open credit and nothing is showing on my credit file (i have checked with all 3 agencies) ...

That doesn't sound right to me. You probably need to find out why your credit files at all 3 CRA's are blank.

Do CRA's even keep files on people if they have nothing but their name to store?

OP- how did you obtain copies of your records? When I requested mine, I had to go through some quite severe security scrutiny to ensure I was the correct person, and that meant answering specific questions about credit applications/accounts that the CRA had on me, in order to prove my identity.

Archi_Bald

OP, how did you pay your bills over the last 7 years if you had no bank account? What money did you live off? Are you a kept woman/man? How did you prove your identity to the CRAs if you have no debit card?

Not having any open credit might be one reason why you can't get an account.

Have you actually tried opening an account in Branch? If you take picture ID (passport / DL) as well as proof of address (e.g. HMRC tax code notice) into a Branch, they should be able to help.