Can I open a HSBC now if I had past problems with First Direct ?

BankSaver

In 2006 I ran into financial problems with my First Direct Current Account and Credit card, all my own fault and I take full responsibility for it. They kept on applying fees and interest and I kept on repaying but it got out of control and was eventually passed to a Debt Collection agency.

It was passed from various Debt Collection agencies over the years all accepting repayments for a time before passing it on to someone else.

I was eventually settled with a agreement and the default dropped off my Credit File in 2012.

Now since then I have had no problems, I have had plenty of Credit cards all paid of each month and various current accounts to get the best rates of interest from, and touch wood I have never had any charges, been overdrawn or had any problems.

I therefore like the idea of the HSBC saver paying 6% but I am not sure because of past problems if I would get the account, I can certainly fund the accounts with what is required, and my Credit Report is good, but not sure if they would remember.

CKhalvashi

HSBC are very fussy, so there's a good chance they'll reject if they have details still on file.

If they don't have details on file, then there's a chance you'll be accepted, and there's nothing to stop you applying.

Someone will let you know about the offset rights as/when necessary.

Archi_Bald

M&S might be less fussy (pure guess on my behalf) and had the same regular savings account. Similar with First Direct. Both M&S and FD offer a switching bonus.

Thrugelmir

Archi_Bald wrote: »

M&S might be less fussy (pure guess on my behalf)

is owned by HSBC.

CKhalvashi

Thrugelmir wrote: »

is owned by HSBC.

But run more independently than HSBC/FD if I remember correctly.

MARTYM8`

I can only give my own experience of dealing with the 3 arms of supposedly one banking group.

I have been an HSBC customer for over 20 years - at the same branch and haven't moved in a decade.

Applied to First Direct last year - even gave my HSBC details as part of the application. FD could not identify me electronically so I had to send in ID by post. Got approved on my tax notice and council tax bill.

Earlier this year I applied to M&S - again they could not electronically identify me so had to go into a branch and go through a long process with a banking advisor with ID who had to speak to their head office to convince M&S who I was and I existed.

Exactly the same name and address used for the FD/M&S applications as are on my HSBC records.

So if these three banks share common systems and checks - I could certainly find no evidence of it!:D

gt94sss2

BankSaver wrote: »

I therefore like the idea of the HSBC saver paying 6% but I am not sure because of past problems if I would get the account, I can certainly fund the accounts with what is required, and my Credit Report is good, but not sure if they would remember.

I am pretty sure that the HSBC Group would remember but that is not to say that they wouldn't be willing to give you a new account if your credit file has been clean for the last few years.

All you can do is apply and see what they say..

Regards
Sunil