Problems obtaining a Basic Bank Account

MCIBS

I am trying to help a young relative who needs a Basic Bank Account. Although he has all the correct paperwork (proof of ID, residential address etc) he has now tried several local banks and, without any explanation, they have all turned him down.

The DWP keep telling him he needs a Bank Account but even those Banks which are supposed to offer Basic Accounts will not do so.

Can anyone suggest how we resolve this problem?

GTR_King

How old is he?

Dose he have any CCJS Or debts.

CIFAS Markers against him??

BoGoF

Has he had a bank account before? Any other credit?

Tanative

MCIBS wrote: »

I am trying to help a young relative who needs a Basic Bank Account. Although he has all the correct paperwork (proof of ID, residential address etc) he has now tried several local banks and, without any explanation, they have all turned him down.

The DWP keep telling him he needs a Bank Account but even those Banks which are supposed to offer Basic Accounts will not do so.

Can anyone suggest how we resolve this problem?

Firstly, what is the ID he has, could they be turning him away because of the ID he has. There is a very strict list of ID that banks have to follow when opening a new account due to AML regulations.

Secondly, after doing some searching I have found the easiest to obtain bank accounts are:

The three accounts which get this thumbs-up are Barclays Basic Account, Co-op Cashminder and Virgin Money's Essential Current Account.

- From MSE website.

Kim_13

Further to Tanative's post, you may find the MSE guide to basic bank accounts helpful:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/basic-bank-accounts

It has further information on the accounts mentioned.

Tanative

Kim_13 wrote: »

Further to Tanative's post, you may find the MSE guide to basic bank accounts helpful:


It has further information on the accounts mentioned.

Thank you for linking that Kim - wouldn't allow me!

worried_jim

Had an account previously? Closed due to fraud? Cifas marker so now causing issues?

System

Tanative wrote: »

Firstly, what is the ID he has, could they be turning him away because of the ID he has. There is a very strict list of ID that banks have to follow when opening a new account due to AML regulations.

Secondly, after doing some searching I have found the easiest to obtain bank accounts are:

- From MSE website.

That article has some good info but is kinda out of date.

All the major providers will now offer a basic account if he/she applies for the standard version but is declined - these are charge free too.

If he is refused then it's likely a fraud marker which might necessitate an alternative such as the Post Office card account.

eDicky

Until it's resolved he could use the Loot prepaid account which provides an account number and sort code to receive benefits etc:

https://loot.io/