RBS basic account

[Deleted User]

Hi RBS is switching everyone from basic account select account can they do this. I did not sign up for overdraft as it's a basic account thanks.

Daliah

I am sure RBS have checked whether they can do this, else they wouldn't do it. You don't have to use an overdraft, even if you have a theoretical overdraft facility.

However, if you want an account which does not have an overdraft facility, you could try Starling Bank, or one of the other banks who might or might not still be offering basic accounts. If you don't need Direct Debits, Chase UK might be another alternative. There is no guarantee though that these won't, at some stage, also offer overdraft facilities.

kaMelo

DeletedUser said:

Hi RBS is switching everyone from basic account select account can they do this. I did not sign up for overdraft as it's a basic account thanks.

If having an overdraft is, or it could become a problem for you then speak to RBS and explain that you would prefer to keep your basic bank account and why. I'm sure they would accommodate this.

LaHostessAvecLaMostess

kaMelo said:

DeletedUser said:

Hi RBS is switching everyone from basic account select account can they do this. I did not sign up for overdraft as it's a basic account thanks.

If having an overdraft is, or it could become a problem for you then speak to RBS and explain that you would prefer to keep your basic bank account and why. I'm sure they would accommodate this.

Basic accounts are only available to those who don't meet the criteria for a regular current account.  As the OP is having theirs upgraded, they will qualify for a current account and not a basic one.

As banks really don't like offering basic bank accounts nowadays it's unlikely they'll accommodate a request to keep it a basic account.  It'll be losing them money with no prospect of ever earning them something due to the lack of charges.  Probably more lucrative for them to lose the OP as a customer than let them keep it as a basic acccount.

stclair

DeletedUser said:

Hi RBS is switching everyone from basic account select account can they do this. I did not sign up for overdraft as it's a basic account thanks.

Have they written you telling you this? What does the letter say. 

[Deleted User]

Hi yes letter came through today, I rang and told them I've MH probs, but they not listening.
On the website it says 
On applying for a select account you can ask about a foundation account. 
So there's two accounts.
Rang and asked the difference between them

The difference is not a lot. You get text messages when your balance is low. 
If I get a direct debit bounced will I be charged 
No if it's an essential bill water gas electric you won't be charged.
If it's an essential bill and I've no money will I be in over draft.
Yes

So I'll be charged 38% 
Yes.
Going nuts at this point.

[Deleted User]

And I shredded the letters last night 😭

EarthBoy

With a Select account you won't be charged for an overdraft if you never go overdrawn, so you just need to make sure that you always have enough money in the account to cover your Direct Debits.

If you have difficulty doing that, and you relied on your Basic Account to bounce payments if you didn't have enough funds, then you might be better off switching to a different bank which will do that.  Starling is one; it's already been mentioned above.  However, any bank will get fed up if they are continually bouncing your payments, so they might end up closing your account.

[Deleted User]

Ok just rang they offered me a foundation account which is the same as a basic account. 
I will have to change over all my wages as it's a new account.
Why. It's the same type of account are they making people switch. Mentally I can handle this at the moment. 

[Deleted User]

I found the letters.  🙄 Don't know which ones I shredded.  🥺

[Deleted User]

The letter says

We want to let you know we are changing your basic account on .....
We are doing this cos we don't offer your existing account anymore.
You don't have to do anything your account number, sort code and debit card will remain the same.
Not true if you opt for a foundation account.