Bad credit rating - need a current account with contactless card

gettingready

Can someone advise please?

Years ago had to open a CoOp basic account due to bad credit rating - it has a normal visa debit card.

Living in London it is a real pain not to have a contactless card but CoOp is refusing to issue one despite me being with them for over 7 years with no issues ever.

My credit rating is still not great (have one CCJ) but I do not need credit or overdraft or anything like that - just an account with a contacless debit card.

Very difficult in London (transport etc) without having one.

I work full time with a decent salary but CoOp is refusing to issue one despite my very good record with them.

Any advise which bank issues contactless debit cards for people in my position?

I could understand credit card refusal but I just want a contactless DEBIT card to make life easier.

Thanks for any pointers.

EarthBoy

Nationwide's basic account comes with a contactless card.

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/current-accounts/flexbasic/features-and-benefits

gettingready

Thanks but this is only available for people who are bankrupt (I am not) and/or do not have an UK bank account

EarthBoy

No it isn't. Those are two out of the three criteria listed, but you only have to meet one of the criteria, not all three. Another of the criteria is that you aren't eligible for one of their other current accounts, which you won't be, so you can apply for the FlexBasic. What it says is:

This account is only available if you are not eligible for any of our other current accounts, you are bankrupt or don’t have a current account in the UK. Applicants must be 18 or over.

My mate got a FlexBasic recently and he's not bankrupt. He also has a basic account with HSBC already.

gettingready

Great, thanks a lot for that.

EDIT: Just tried to apply and "You cannot apply for a FlexBasic account if you already have another UK account."

EarthBoy

Try applying in branch then, which is what my mate did. They gave him a FlexBasic. I've seen his debit card, so I know he's telling the truth.

Alternatively, try applying for one of their other accounts, e.g. FlexAccount or FlexDirect account etc. You will fail the application because of your credit history, and they may offer you the FlexBasic instead.

gettingready

Just applied for normal Flex account the one with no fees and got accepted so all good, thanks a lot.

EarthBoy

Glad to hear you've got it sorted.

Although there's no fee for the ordinary FlexAccount, there will be charges if you go overdrawn, so you'll need to watch out for this if you've only had a basic account for the last few years. You don't want to end up in debt again.

gettingready

I never go overdrawn so this is not a problem - previous debts were something else.

pmduk

It's possible the OP didn't meet the criteria for the flexaccount and automaticvalluy got offered the flexbasic, which only charges for overseas transactions and non-sterling transactions online.


Alternatively the Barclays basic account can have a contactless debit card issued on it.

PeacefulWaters

need a current account with contactless card

There are people starving in the world. Get a grip on your "needs"!