applying for a basic bank account

melysion

I am about to apply for a basic bank account online but am concerned about doing something to screw it up. Should I, for example, tell them about my current account? And should I go for a nationwide or natwest account (or another one entirely). I'm in the midst filling in the nationwide one but, although I clicked on the apply for the basic account, I think I may be filling in the form for the flexiaccount so am a tad confused.

I'm just concerned about being turned down I guess.

sourcrates

Hi,
They won't be interested in other accounts, or anything that's not on the form, simply answer the questions on the form as best you can.
You can't be turned down for a basic account, they are open to everyone with the correct ID as you are not credit checked.

melysion

They are asking about other accounts on the form actually

melysion

And natwest at least credit check you (I asked online today)

sourcrates

melysion wrote: »

They are asking about other accounts on the form actually

If it's a simple " do you have another current account" simply say yes.

sourcrates

melysion wrote: »

And natwest at least credit check you (I asked online today)

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts

jools35

I applied online for a Royal Bank of Scotland account. I was accepted straight away for the basic account and then at the bottom it said I was also eligible for their other current accounts.

I clicked on the Select account and continued with the application which was approved. I also completed the Basic account just in case it got declined further down the line.

They then send you the details by post to sign and send back before the account is open. Ours took longer than normal as I called the call centre who said for me to take ID into the branch. The branch photocopied everything and sent it to be processed, and then more confusion when they tried to process the application as a branch application instead of online....still with me?

It is now sorted and we have two accounts. A 'proper' current account (i declined the overdraft facility) and a basic account.

Anyway, my advice would be to go into a branch if you need the account quickly as they can open it almost instantly. Many branches will ask you to make an appointment though. This is why ours ended up taking so long as they didn't have anyone to talk to me the time I went in.

Or, if you don't want to go into a branch, complete the online application, wait for the form by post and post it back. Good luck

melysion

Thank you. I've just got a nationwide cash card account so that's good enough for me. Phew. Step one complete.

[Deleted User]

If they ask, tell the truth. If they don't ask...