Ex prisoner can't open a bank account

lottieholder

My son was released from prison in August last year. He wasn't in prison for fraud. Personally I think he was a complete idiot but there you go. He started work the day after he got out and has got himself on his feet very quickly.

At the moment he has exclusive use of 2 of my bank accounts but this can't go on, he needs one of his own in his own name. He also has a credit card that is technically in my name but he has his own card in his name.

He has applied for several accounts since he was released but keeps being turned down. He was accepted for a Nationwide a/c and received the a/c no., internet logon details, card and pin. He started setting all his finances up and then received a letter telling him that they had reviewed their decision and the account was now closed.

His employer won't pay him to a Post Office a/c which is his only other option. Anyway it's not a practical one.

I dread to think what the taxman would think of this situation. Does anyone have any advice as I would like to get my own finances back in order. This has been going on for too long.

antrobus

lottieholder wrote: »

.... Does anyone have any advice as I would like to get my own finances back in order.....

Contact Unlock
http://hub.unlock.org.uk/contact/

gt94sss2

Your son may need to apply for a basic bank account not a standard current account. See https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/basic-bank-accounts for details.

Some savings accounts may also be a suitable alternative.

You/he should ensure he is registered on the electoral roll as well (ideally before applying for any accounts)

lottieholder

He has only applied for basic accounts. I already knew about the problems so made sure he was on the electoral roll when he was released. He has also been refused savings accounts. I am now beginning to see the reasons for recidivism. I'm in a position to bale him out, most ex prisoners aren't or their families aren't willing to do so.

Robisere

I have no personal experience of this, therefore no recommendation, but I came across it whilst looking for something else some time ago. Luckily, I remembered it:
www.thinkmoney.co.uk/PersonalAccount‎

[Why oh why does this website not accept links from !!!!!!!?]

Another one your son can try, is tsb.co.uk - basic account.

Good luck to him, I hope he does get an account and turns his life around.

Westie983

Barclays, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group), HSBC, Santander and RBS all have banking links with prisons so worth trying them.

:-)

grumbler

Can the employer pay by a bank transfer with a reference? If so, check
https://www.pockit.com/faqs/
>> How to load money onto your card

GingerBob_3

Basic question, but how do the banks etc. know about his prison term?

lottieholder

GingerBob wrote: »

Basic question, but how do the banks etc. know about his prison term?

Now that is an even more interesting question. I needed to insure his works van and the insurance companies not only knew about his conviction but also what tariff he still has. I had to insure it in my name with him as the named driver.

So I assume the banks have access to the same information.

GingerBob_3

lottieholder wrote: »

Now that is an even more interesting question. I needed to insure his works van and the insurance companies not only knew about his conviction but also what tariff he still has. I had to insure it in my name with him as the named driver.

So I assume the banks have access to the same information.

Well, private companies should not, and as far as I know, do not, have access to such information. I would be concerned about this, and if you haven't disclosed the facts yourself, you should require them to tell you the source of this information.

lottieholder

Westie983 wrote: »

Barclays, Halifax (part of Lloyds Banking Group), HSBC, Santander and RBS all have banking links with prisons so worth trying them.

:-)

Barclays turned him down, Halifax technically have his account but have refused to let him use it, the others have all turned him down although Santander and RBS are happily receiving his money but in my name.

He can't improve his credit rating unless he can get an account in his name.

The house he is renting required the rent to be paid out of an account in his name. He is dating the estate agent dealing with it.