Current account for unemployed?

remembe

Which current account is easiest to get if you are unemployed?
I should have more work soon but want a new current account now
I may be able to agree to pay in 500/month or suchlike, but cannot put an employers details etc on application form yet

grumbler

Nationwide's FlexBasic is often mentioned here, but it says:

You don't have a UK bank account elsewhere, or
- you have a UK bank account elsewhere and you want to switch it to us, or
- you have a UK bank account with us or another UK-based provider but need a FlexBasic account because you're in financial difficulty.

What's wrong with the account you supposedly have?

Anthorn

Depends on your requirements.

If all you want is a debit card the Fidor UK Smart Current Account is a prepaid account with a debit card. It has an ID check with secure upload of documents but no income requirement.

You may be successful in getting a basic bank account such as the TSB Cash Account or the Santander Basic Current Account.

Lastly you qualify for a Post Office Card Account. Ask for an application form at the Jobcentre.
http://www.postoffice.co.uk/post-office-card-account

remembe

There are lots offers for switching accounts, I wouldn't want to miss out on
Already I have an account with nationwide, but I'd sooner keep it as well

grumbler

Why do you want a new one then?

remembe

If I switch accounts, then I have a new main account, can I keep the old nationwide account?
I just transfer some direct debits?
maybe I should just do that then
it seemed like a good idea to get a new account to switch with

although that may have to wait until I'm employed, I'd rather get on with it now

also I have an offer for 100quid each if someone would like to switch to nationwide

System

You may well qualify for a standard account (without overdraft). Apply for one and they'll generally offer the basic version as a fallback.

DONT go for the Fidor or Post Office account other than a last resort. Fidor charges for ATM withdrawals after the 3rd and the Post Office account can only be used in Post Office ATMs & for benefits.

agrinnall

remembe wrote: »

If I switch accounts, then I have a new main account, can I keep the old nationwide account?

No, the switch automatically closes the donor account.

KxMx

I think you'll have more luck with getting a good switch deal once you're employed. Many have set limits on how much money needs to be going in every month to qualify.

Laurensalive

You need a basic bank account. New rules state that if you go overdrawn in a basic bank account, you will not get any fees charged by the bank. HSBC have changed there terms and conditions regarding the basic bank account from April 16.

remembe

So I can use a basic bank account to switch?
Really I'm wondering how I can get these switching benefits if/when unemployed, as the work here seems sporadic/seasonal with the employment agencies here.
So an account application for which I don't need to supply my employers address etc would be handy