Barclays Current Account

pappuyogs

Hello People,

Not sure if this is the right forum to post the query.

I am an international resident in the UK since January 2004. I arrived in the UK to do my masters and through my University, I opened a Barclays Current Account in February 2004. For some reason, since I am not a permanent resident in the United Kingdom, I was given an International Banking Account with Barclays and I have been using this account ever since. I have a Barclays Visa Debit Card with a £50 cheque guarantee and no overdraft. I also have a Barclaycard Gold since August 2005 with a current Credit Limit of £4700.

I started working part time in January 2005 and full time since January 2007. I am really keen on opening a normal UK Current Account and I made an online application to Barclays couple of weeks back. Yesterday, I got a refusal letter from Barclays stating that my application for a UK Current Account will not be approved as I had failed the Credit Checks.

On my Credit Card, I have reached the Credit Limit on many occasions, but I have never missed a payment. In the last few months, I have cleared the most of my Credit Card dues and I have about £800 balance at the time of application. I have paid £500 more since then. I also checked my Credit Report with Experian and I have a good credit history.

Am not sure why my application was rejected. What information do Banks consider for Current Account Applications? What is the difference between having an International Banking Account and a Regular UK Banking Account?

Many thanks

gt94sss2

pappuyogs wrote: »

What is the difference between having an International Banking Account and a Regular UK Banking Account?

I would hope you know the answer to this as you have an Barclays 'International Banking Account' (which I can't see on their website) and a normal UK current account!

Personally, I would ensure that you are listed on the electoral roll (assuming you qualify to register) and then just apply with another bank for an account - perhaps somewhere like HSBC (or perhaps Lloyds) who may be more used to having 'international' customers and see what they say.

You could also consider a Basic Bank account or a HSBC Passport account as alternatives.

Regards
Sunil