Good Bank?

tomxlisa

Who is the best bank to go with, I've been accepted for a halifax current account with a overdraft but not sure what they are like, mainly just want to use the account for direct debits as I am not earning at the moment so no wages etc, also I thought a current account would look good on my credit file as I am trying to build up my history.

colsten

Best bank for what? All banks provide the basic facilities - taking payments, making SOs, paying DDs, providing debit cards, online and mobile access. Some have branches, some don't. All have similar charges for overdrafts and failed payments. All offer some other products - savings accounts, loans etc. It's very subjective what 'best' is.

Gilbo_Baggins

A very subjective thing really. To me best bank is First Direct because of their contact centre. But all of the other banks whom I hold current accounts with I've never had a problem with.

Zanderman

If you have a Halifax account opened, and that's your only/first current account just stick with that. It's a perfectly good bank for general use.

If you're worried about your credit history don't start messing about with trying to open other accounts yet. Try the Halifax out first.

tomxlisa

Yeah thanks for the replies, think I will stick with halifax as they seem really good, UK customer services, local branch cheap rate phone number so they seem quite good so far and they gave me a overdraft when I applied which I was surprised about given my lack of credit history, hope it's a contactless debit card though.

worried_jim

I haven't been in a bank for ten years, it's all done online. There won't be much difference to anyone you pick.

PeacefulWaters

Free fiver = good.
Overdraft fees = bad

Remember these rules and you'll be fine with Halifax.

tomxlisa

Have to reapply now as my application expires tomorrow so I am up for suggestions on other banks, when I applied for natwest they never offered me a overdraft online but halifax did, so looking for someone who is likely to offer me a overdraft etc.

Archi_Bald

tomxlisa wrote: »

Have to reapply now as my application expires tomorrow

That sounds very odd. Current account applications don't normally expire, and certainly not on a Sunday.

Can you clarify?

Also, what do you want to use the overdraft for? Overdrafts are one of the most expensive ways of credit. They can also be recalled in full without notice.

Dobbibill

Archi_Bald wrote: »

That sounds very odd. Current account applications don't normally expire, and certainly not on a Sunday.

Can you clarify?

This may explain what OP is referring to

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68953002#Comment_68953002

If you're worried about your credit history don't start messing about with trying to open other accounts yet. Try the Halifax out first.

It seems that this is maybe a bit late for that. OP seems to have applied for sub-prime Credit Cards and Bank Accounts before ER updated.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/68952732#Comment_68952732

OP, IMHO you are better to stop applying for multiple products. Establish and build a relationship with a bank. Take your ID into branch and see if you are not too late. At this rate you will be doing more harm than good to just keep applying anywhere and everywhere.

HTH

tomxlisa

Yeah I went in there today and they told me the application expires tomorrow you get 35 days from application date to provide ID, is there a eligibility checker for bank accounts like there are for credit cards etc, and yep I will stop applying once I've got my bank account sorted.