Replace Post Office Card Account with Basic Bank Account - Without going into branch

molerat

BigBlueSky wrote: »

Thanks.

No, they don't have online access to their existing Santander account. It is a REALLY old one - It doesn't even have a sort code assigned to it, just a 9 character account number. A letter 'R' followed by an 8 digit number.

They still use those, my regular saver opened last year is.

BigBlueSky

Just wondering does anyone think there is any point applying for a regular current account (rather than a basic one), despite them having no credit history at all ? - I assume it might just delay/complicate things and best to go straight for the basic account ?

I've double checked and they are definitely on the electoral roll.

Thanks in advance

born_again

You can't apply for the basic bank account. It is only available to people with poor credit history.
It won't delay any application much.

Apply online with Santander if that who you want to go with and see how it goes.

BigBlueSky

born_again wrote: »

You can't apply for the basic bank account. It is only available to people with poor credit history.

Sorry, a bit confused. What do you mean you can't apply for the basic bank account ?

I'm looking at the one from Santander online, and it gives you the option to apply for it online:

https://www.santander.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/basic-current-account

xylophone

You could consider Tesco bank.

Not at the moment. See https://www.tescobank.com/current-accounts/

xylophone

I'm looking at the one from Santander online, and it gives you the option to apply for it online:

Why not apply for the standard current account - if turned down, the basic could be offered.

BigBlueSky

xylophone wrote: »

Why not apply for the standard current account - if turned down, the basic could be offered.

Thanks for your reply, but you don't know my relative - lol.

If it was automatic - where they opened a basic account if the standard wasn't offered that would be one thing. The fact they will get a letter telling them that the application has been rejected would just stress them out. - It doesn't take a lot.

That's why I'm trying to help them with the process by applying online, so they don't need to start going into a branch, etc.

colsten

BigBlueSky wrote: »

The fact they will get a letter telling them that the application has been rejected

Your relative wouldn't get a letter if their application got rejected. It would either happen at the end of the application process or notified by email. They MIGHT get a letter at a later stage, asking for additional ID to be presented in Branch.

On a related matter: does your relative have a mobile, or other way to receive text messages? As this would be needed for Santander (and most other banks) as they implement 2FA

xylophone

How about having the pension paid into a savings account with ATM card?

https://www.ybs.co.uk/savings/easy-access/index.html

BigBlueSky

colsten wrote: »

Your relative wouldn't get a letter if their application got rejected. It would either happen at the end of the application process or notified by email. They MIGHT get a letter at a later stage, asking for additional ID to be presented in Branch.

On a related matter: does your relative have a mobile, or other way to receive text messages? As this would be needed for Santander (and most other banks) as they implement 2FA

For what they will be using the account for though, I'm not sure if there would actually be any benefit if they did get the standard current account. - Unless I have missed something.

I will be sure to warn them about any documentation coming through the post, although I will certainly get to hear the moment the postman comes with any letters.

With regards to a mobile, no they do not. If that is essential I will get them a PAYG phone just for this purpose.