Struggling to even apply for BBL - Starling 10 week wait

MissGeorgiou

Hello 
I've been on the waitlist with Starling for 10 weeks now (applied to join the waitlist on the 17th June) I am an existing customer. I have also recently started the process for a HSBC feeder account. I'm very worried time is running out to apply with other banks and many banks are refusing to let sole traders open new accounts. My SEIS grant barely covers 6 months worth of business outgoings and I was unable to get any other funding which mean's I've had to live off my savings which are now all gone. Can anyone let me know how long they were waiting with Starling and also if you are a new or existing customer as well as sole trader or Ltd company? I have tried to get hold of them on Twitter and also called them and asked them why I've not had any contact for over a month. The problem is most banks are asking you to switch accounts in order to open a new business one. I am worried time is running out if we have been waiting so long already. 

Veed3779

Hi, I’m not a starling customer I’m with Barclays but I didn’t have a business account just a personal one which my sole trader business was run through so I had to open feeder account first before I could apply, yes it did take a long time I applied for account beginning June and could only get a phone appointment for 3rd August.
If you are still being told ten week wait from your own bank then maybe give Barclays new customer number a call and see how long for a appointment for new accounts are as that’s the bit that takes time and may be less than ten weeks, once my feeder account was opened business team rung me a week later to apply for loan.
I did exactly the same during lockdown and used most of my savings whilst I had no work.