Nat West blocked account

Pegoland

I have found myself in a unusual situation that I hope someone can shed some light on.  I opened a basic bank account with Nat West earlier this month (online).  I only wanted to account to put my spending money in after all bills were accounted for in Starling.  Everything was going well until Friday when my card got declined twice and unable to access ATM or any online services.  When I rung the bank they have said that nobody can tell me anything and I have to wait for a letter to be sent.  They can't guarantee that the branch will be able to help get my money out.  

Has anybody had similar happen? 

adamp87

I know it’s frustrating but you’ll have to wait for the bank now. Countless similar threads with NatWest & other banks to be honest.

Something has flagged up most likely for potential fraud or something has triggered the system and you’ll have to wait for their investigation to be over if that’s the case.

Shakin_Steve

A basic bank account is for people who can't open any other sort of account, you already had an account with Starling.

Shakin_Steve

From cleardebt:

What is a basic bank account?

Getting access to simple ways of storing and using your money other than hiding it under the bed isn’t a new problem.

If you’re one of the many people unable to get a regular bank account, you’ll know it can be an absolute nightmare. However, a basic bank account could be the solution for you.

This product was designed for people who are unable to open a current account due to poor credit scores and a chequered credit history. This account allows you to store and pay out money but without any overdraft or credit facility attached to it.

They come complete with a debit card and allow you to set up standing orders and direct debits.

GTR_King

the only way an account gets block is for example 
Fraud
Money Laundering 
Broke there T&C's e.g use account for business etc

hopefully you not done any of that and your account gets unblock 

but they can't tell you anything till investigation has finished could 1 week or maybe longer

Shakin_Steve

GTR_King said:

the only way an account gets block is for example 
Fraud
Money Laundering 
Broke there T&C's e.g use account for business etc

hopefully you not done any of that and your account gets unblock 

but they can't tell you anything till investigation has finished could 1 week or maybe longer

Or for transferring money in from another account you're not supposed to have?

GTR_King

yeah could be that as well e.g transfer business money to personal account

Shakin_Steve

GTR_King said:

yeah could be that as well e.g transfer business money to personal account

No, just from another current account will do. I refer you to posts number 3 and 4.

Daliah

Natwest are notorious for closing / blocking people's accounts for no apparent reason. There's a FB group with several thousand members who this happened to.

It is a bit strange, though, to have a full-function current account and then open a basic account elsewhere. Why not just have another full-function account? Basic current accounts are reserved to people who are unable to get a full-function current account. But. You cannot actually apply for a Natwest basic account as it is only offered to people sometimes if Natwest don't accept you for a full-function one. May be the OP didn't mean they got a basic account, but a full-function one? Who knows. Without knowing a lot more about the OP's financial circumstances, it is not possible to offer more explanations.

Thrugelmir

Pegoland said:

I have found myself in a unusual situation that I hope someone can shed some light on. 

Any previous relationship with Natwest in the past? 

stclair

When you say you opened a basic account do mean you applied for a select account and then offered a basic one at the end of the application?