Problems opening basic bank account

[Bilgeman]

I've been trying to open a basic bank account so I can have my wages paid in and use it for paying bills etc. Trouble is, they want to see existing bank statements for proof of address but as soon as they notice the returned items on it they immediately get nervous and tell me it has to be sent for approval (or to be declined) and will take up to a fortnight. Has anyone else got any experience of this and can you advise which banks are the best to approach (I have tried HSBC so far and can't go to Barclays or Natwest as they're the ones I'm claiming from).

 

Keep on chipping away....

[Phil3822]

I have a basix account with electron from the CO OP. Did that all over the phone and have had good service so far. I also have a basic account with the Abbey. Its a cash card and is not bad. I went in there with my driving licence and passport and that was fine.

 

Hope that helps, and good luck.

[Switch]

Have you tried the Abbey Basic Account.

 

From what I recall they did not ask me for statements just 2 forms of proof of address. You simply cannot go overdrawn whats in the account is all you have access to fullstop.

 

I have found the Abbey quite good when compared with basic accounts offered by the other banks, in that you get full internet access to the account for paying bills ect.

[Bilgeman]

Thanks, both. Appointment booked with Abbey for tomorrow

[Switch]

Thanks, both. Appointment booked with Abbey for tomorrow

 

Good Luck.

 

Don't forget to take your two forms of ID along with you.

 

Bank Statements not required but I would take a utility bill and something from say the Inland Revenue.

[JJ]

I set one up with Nationwide online - I couldn't believe how easy it was...

[davesuecpl]

we open a basic account with Natwest online no proof reqiured only took a couple of days to set up, debit cards received about a week later, been with them now for about 6/7 weeks and have never been asked for any or even been ask for details of any other banks

 

natwest very easy to get an account

 

Dave

[lookinforinfo]

Why show them all your bank details? Cut off your personal transactions as all they want is proof of identity.

[Don Quioxte]

They have no right to actually demand to see your bank statements as proof of address and will have a list of FSA approved identity confirmation documents which are acceptable to the bank, such as recent utility bill, council tax, mortgage statement, etc etc.

 

They will base their offering to you largely on the external credit score (Experian or Equifax). Even if this credit score is falling through the floor, past the topsoil, through the earth, crust, mantle, and touching the core.. it is very unlikely that if you have proof of identity, and address, they will fail to offer you a Basic Account. Cos there is bugger all you can do with it. Except use a cashcard in their own ATMs. Pay in money. And withdraw over the counter.

[Bilgeman]

Got one! Abbey. No problems at all, although they did pressure me to have a normal current account. No thanks

[Switch]

Got one! Abbey. No problems at all, although they did pressure me to have a normal current account. No thanks

 

Well done Bilgeman, I also have an Abbey Basic Account.

 

It suits my requirements full internet Access for setting up and making payments, Cash Card which incidently I found out you can also use at the Post Office to draw out cash. Limit is either 250 or 300 per day.

[Bilgeman]

This topic was closed on 10 March 2019.

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