Not really any difference between an easycash and a cardcash account, except for their target customers. A while back, the Cardcash account was the basic bank account offered to all customers. This has now been changed so that 11 - 15 yrs get and Expresscash account, 16 - 17 yrs get Cardcash and 18 + now get Easycash. Any 18+ customers with a cardcash account still keep it, though I'm not sure if they get rebranded as easycash when a replacement card is sent. In effect though, they're all basic accounts with limited branch service and in theory no credit facilites, ie no overdraft, although they seem happy to let you go overdrawn if it's because they're charging you for something..

ab123uk - You're right that the Easycash customers have less access to services, but it's focussed at using internet, telephone and ATM banking. They get restricted branch service for enquiries and transactions, things have to be done by ATM, telephone or internet where possible. Also student accounts are to an effect 'subsidised' in that they get an interest free overdraft, and perks like lower charges. From a business point of view, student's are a good source of business. Through the life of their course, they get into a lot of debt, so they're tied to their bank ill it's paid off. In the future, for things like mortgages, loans, etc, people generally go to the bank where their main account is. So by encouraging uni students to join a bank, it pretty much guarantees more business out of them in future.

Vanman - It is branch policy that joint accounts have to have both persons consent to take a name off, otherwise how do they know you're not trying to pinch all his money? First of all, I would suggest that she open another bank account in her sole name, and transfer all the money she has a right to from the joint account into that, and have any bank credits, eg, salary, benefits etc, directed to the sole named account too. Then inform the branch staff formally that the relationship has broken down and ask them to put a stop on the account (referred to in branch as a TRI) - no money can then be paid in or drawn from the account until the issue is resolved. If the ex-husband can't get his money, I'm sure he'll come along pretty quick to get things resolved.

As a result of all the DPA requests for information, when people only want their charges, there's now a process to get a full list of charges from the past x many years without them charging £10 and without getting reams of information that you dont need. If you go into branch and request it, they can order it through their email system and you'll get it a few days later by post. Nag them though, it's something that was only announced to us a couple of weeks ago, so most staff wont know off the top of their heads how to do it.

But the AHD Enquiry only shows the recent few months, not a full 6 year list

Just been chatting to the bf about banking, and came into talking about credit reference files. When you request your credit reference file, it gives you details of credit for all other people registered at your address. Now without having their consent for you to have that information, isn't that a breach of Data Protection? In particular, I'm thinking of when I left home and was struggling so got my credit ref file frrom equifax, and it gave me details of my parents and sisters credit cards, loans etc, which I know my parents weren't happy about me having when they found out. Any ideas?

Already have, ta

A lil advice for anyone that can use it.. I work for Halifax, and had requests to do a Chaps transfer and understandably had a few customers shocked at the charge. So the way round this I've found, if it's for less than £5000, is to do them a bill payment - using a current account, a bill payment can be set up for the ATM Machines, aloowing a transfer of up to £5000 which is processed like a standing order, but done on request. Not perfect, and takes a couple of days to go through, but it often works well for people transferring money who want to avoid the charge.