Opening a basic bank account but with no credit file?

Riverstone58

Hello, I'm an undischarged bankrupt and looking to open a basic bank account. 

I'm of somewhat elderly years and have ZERO credit history: I've had no credit cards, personal loans, energy bills which have been in my name, phone contracts, TV subscriptions, etc, etc. So nothing on any credit file about me.

I've been using a savings account for probably the best part of 30 years for payments going in and expenditure paid for in cash. The OR at the time was a bit surprised but is this likely to cause any issues or raise any questions in trying to open an account?

Also, as I have no passport or driving licence I would have to visit a branch to provide alternative forms of ID which is another consideration I have to take in to account.

I was going to put this in the banking forum but as I'm bankrupt I thought it would be best to start here if anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks for any help available.

MorningcoffeeIV

A bank account is the perfect place to start.

You'll need to provide ID, but that Is standard for any kind of account.

Brie

Go in with any correspondence you have from the council (council tax), anything from your state pension (if you're elderly enough), water/gas/phone bill, bus pass, library card if your's has you name on it (ours don't).  Maybe your tenancy agreement?

And some copies of your saving account statements - but it occurs to me that that will be with one of the high street banks so maybe you could go into a branch for the same one as they would, in effect, already "know" you.  obviously you would have your debit card for your account?

RAS

Do make sure you are on the electoral roll at your current address. If you start with a basic bank account, like Co-op for example, they will ask for ID but the first requirement is a quick check to see if you are on the electoral roll at the address. Once they are satisfied with that, they need a specified number of specified both documents without photo ID for you to pass muster.

Maybe drop by and ask what you need? 

A basic account gives you a bank card, on-line banking and standing orders. Open a saving account alongside and drip feed, and you may be offered a standard account after a year or so.

PennyTracker92

Riverstone58 said:

Hello, I'm an undischarged bankrupt and looking to open a basic bank account. 

I'm of somewhat elderly years and have ZERO credit history: I've had no credit cards, personal loans, energy bills which have been in my name, phone contracts, TV subscriptions, etc, etc. So nothing on any credit file about me.

I've been using a savings account for probably the best part of 30 years for payments going in and expenditure paid for in cash. The OR at the time was a bit surprised but is this likely to cause any issues or raise any questions in trying to open an account?

Also, as I have no passport or driving licence I would have to visit a branch to provide alternative forms of ID which is another consideration I have to take in to account.

I was going to put this in the banking forum but as I'm bankrupt I thought it would be best to start here if anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks for any help available.

Hi, it shouldn't stop you from opening a basic bank account. Many banks accept alternative ID like DWP or council letters, and credit checks aren't usually required. Just call ahead to confirm what documents they'll take.

ManyWays

Nationwide has a Basic Bank Account, see https://www.nationwide.co.uk/current-accounts/flexbasic/
Their id requrements are listed https://www.nationwide.co.uk/help/your-details/proving-your-identity/

RAS

Are you on the electoral roll?

mwarby

Sometimes your better applying for these in person than online. The reason being if you fail the ID check online (which often rely heavily on your credit file, not score)they often just decline the application, in person they can check your actual ID and store copies of these

frosty1970

mwarby said:

Sometimes your better applying for these in person than online. The reason being if you fail the ID check online (which often rely heavily on your credit file, not score)they often just decline the application, in person they can check your actual ID and store copies of these

Agreed...my OH philnicandamy had the same issue however applied in person with co-op and nationwide and got 2 basic accounts open without issue 

retiredbanker1

OP Make sure you have an appointment to open an account before you walk in?

If they sense that there is no profitable business to be made from you they will manage you away by telling you to do it online?
Banking is not what it was!