Barclays basic account upgrade

Welshboyo89

I recently entered into a debt relief order, and have a Barclays basic bank account. 

Having read the forums historically, people have managed to have their basic accounts upgraded to a standard bank account allowing Blue rewards etc after 6-12 months use of salary payments , bills, and no bounced payments. 

I’m curious to hear from people who have experience this and is it worthwhile me moving my salary to my Barclays account, along with bills to build an internal score with Barclays ready for my DRO year to end and build from there? 

I do have other standard accounts but Lloyds I can’t abide the app, Revolut isn’t fully a bank yet, Monzo I can’t abide the app either, and Kroo is too basic. 

eskbanker

I can't comment on the likelihood of you being offered an upgrade, but if you dislike all the other banks for a variety of reasons, what would be the downside of moving your main banking to your Barclays account?

Welshboyo89

I don’t really see a downside, but the Blue rewards outdoes some other account types with perks. 

The app is ok, has notifications for income and outgoings, I don’t use any spending analytics so apps with those fall flat either way. 

Brie

Crucial thing in my mind is how much do the Blue rewards cost.  I never found it an incentive myself.

Welshboyo89

Blue rewards is £5, which comes with Apple TV which is £11 alone. 

retiredbanker1

A proper account (not basic) will be credit scored.
If your credit files show late payments, defaults etc you will fail.

How long before the bad stuff falls off your credit reports?

Welshboyo89

I’m aware of the credit file process, however Barclays has notably upgraded basic accounts to standard bank accounts in the past (a google search will show you this. 

So my question relates to them upgrading it not applying for a new account. 

retiredbanker1

Welshboyo89 said:

I’m aware of the credit file process, however Barclays has notably upgraded basic accounts to standard bank accounts in the past (a google search will show you this. 

So my question relates to them upgrading it not applying for a new account. 

I will repeat any account with Barclays (or anybody else) that has been upgraded would have been done after a credit check.
There is a reason why basic accounts exist -.

However, why don't you apply and come back to us with the result.

Welshboyo89

You’re ignoring my question. 

I am aware of applying, I’m not thick, I’m asking about BARCLAYS UPGRADING it, not applying for a new account. 

If you’ve nothing relative don’t waste your time responding. 

An internet search shows basic accounts have been upgraded, while defaults etc are still visible on people’s credit files and a score of next to nothing. 

So naturally they would also be declined for a new account which you are referring to. 

However, Barclays has been in touch with them and upgraded them to a standard account over time. 

I’m asking for peoples experiences, not ridiculous replies such as “apply and find out” because entering a DRO will prevent any new account openings generally. 

eskbanker

Welshboyo89 said:

You’re ignoring my question. 

I am aware of applying, I’m not thick, I’m asking about BARCLAYS UPGRADING it, not applying for a new account. 

If you’ve nothing relative don’t waste your time responding. 

An internet search shows basic accounts have been upgraded, while defaults etc are still visible on people’s credit files and a score of next to nothing. 

So naturally they would also be declined for a new account which you are referring to. 

However, Barclays has been in touch with them and upgraded them to a standard account over time. 

I’m asking for peoples experiences, not ridiculous replies such as “apply and find out” because entering a DRO will prevent any new account openings generally. 

The way I read it, there was no suggestion of applying for a new account, it was to apply for an upgrade?

retiredbanker1

Sorry if you cannot understand what I am posting here.

I will try to clarify for you.
 1 You currently hold a Barclays Basic account.
 2 You want to upgrade from Basic to Barclays Blue Rewards.
 3 You are currently in a DRO suggesting financial difficulties probably reported on your credit reports.

Can I ask you to confirm if the above is correct?

 4 To upgrade I quote from Barclays website; terms are for Blue rewards.

• nominate an eligible current account with us. The accounts you can’t join with are: Barclays Basic, Young Person’s, BarclayPlus, Foreign Currency Accounts, Premier current account, non-personal Wealth and Barclays Business Accounts. You can only have one Barclays Blue Rewards membership in your name.

 5 You can see from this that Barclays will not upgrade you to a Blue Rewards from .a basic account.
 6 If you were to ask Barclays for an upgrade their internal back office systems will tell you yes or no - if you are eligible or not.  If their system says no - that's the end of it and you cannot go further with your application.

 7 If Barclays says yes then they will conduct a search on your credit files - what do you think the outcome will be?

Please feel free to advise me if I have got anything wrong.