Getting UK bank accounts

[artfulldodger]

im having trouble opening bank accounts here in the Uk, i am currently with 2 banks and i have current accounts in both of them, I have also opened up 2 savings accounts on each aswell, Now i have been reading that savings accounts are not the best for stealth when it comes to the direct debit agreement, all the stealth accounts with savings attached have failed direct debit so far and eventually been closed down? Not saying its related either with it being savings attached, my current account steaths are fine, I have tried opening 2/3 current/basic accounts with other banks but my credit history is bad so i keep failing to open up any more, ive been trying a new bank once every few month but its not happening! What options are left guys?(if any) any help is appreciated

[GreenBean]

Oldie but a goodie thread

http://www.aspkin.com/forums/uk-payp...ccounts-3.html

[artfulldodger]

Thanks GB for the reply, the last bank I tried was infact smile, I applied for a current account and failed !

[Callidus]

Originally Posted by artfulldodger

Thanks GB for the reply, the last bank I tried was infact smile, I applied for a current account and failed !

It's always better to look for basic accounts and then explore what else the bank can offer once you have your first account with them

[GreenBean]

Originally Posted by artfulldodger

Thanks GB for the reply, the last bank I tried was infact smile, I applied for a current account and failed !

Gosh, what a shame you did not ask here before applying for a bank account.

We might have given advice that saved this rejection.
Always start with the basics where there are issues such as credit rating.

Sorry to hear.

[artfulldodger]

Would it be best to leave it for a while again then before applying for a basic account elsewhere ? Yeah I was on here looking up posts and I seen James North recommending smile so felt confident applying for it but it wasn't to be

[artfulldodger]

I would rather set up another stealth using a basic or current account, I've lost faith in the savings accounts!

[RosieTosie]

Probably best to wait a while and let your credit history situation cool down artfuldodger, concentrate on nurturing your other accounts and bringing them along. Then try for a basic account in another few months and bring that one along in the same way

[artfulldodger]

Yeah that's looking like my only option

[Ebayorbust]

Originally Posted by artfulldodger

Yeah that's looking like my only option

There is no need to wait IF you are applying for BASIC ACCOUNTS.

As you said above you were rejected when you applied for a current account.

Current accounts involve a FULL CREDIT check.

Basic and savings accounts for the most part only involve a basic ID check, ie you are who you say you are and you live where you say you live. It does not involve any calculation of your credit worthiness meaning the decision to give you a basic account is not based on your credit score / history.

Go into a bank you have had no prior dealings with and tell them you would like to open a basic bank account. If they try and make you apply for a current account, explain the situation regarding your credit history. Most bank employees will be understanding and help you with your request.

[artfulldodger]

Is Santander bank ok? I know lloyds is a no go?

[Ebayorbust]

Santander is fine for stealth but as far as I remember you cannot open a basic account with them online. As I said earlier you would be best to go into a branch in person. Have photo ID and proof of address with you.

[artfulldodger]

I will go into a branch on Monday, I'm with rbos and nationwide just now and already applied with bank of Scotland but been refused with them, who else can I try that's on the high street?

[artfulldodger]

Can't do Clydesdale either

[Bunneh]

Have you tried applying for natwest online, usually if you are declined for a current account they offer you a basic account on screen instead?

But it will only work if you are on the electoral role.

[artfulldodger]

No not tried nat west, yeah I'm electoral role

[saldownes0151]

I have just opened a nationwide basic account (cash card account they call it)
I applied online and received a letter to say I have been accepted got sort code and bank account details just waiting on debit card and Internet banking details
I to havent got great credit score!!
May be worth a look ...

[GreenBean]

Originally Posted by artfulldodger

No not tried nat west, yeah I'm electoral role

Have you checked your credit score too?

Might help to know recent activity ( if any) as well.


Do that and try again after getting your credit score.

Good Luck

[RosieTosie]

Originally Posted by artfulldodger

No not tried nat west, yeah I'm electoral role

I recently opened a co-op cashminder basic account online as well, everything came through the post, have a visa debit card with it as well, everything has gone really smoothly with it, Barclays is excellent for stealth as well and can also be opened online and everything comes in the post including visa debit card.

[artfulldodger]

Originally Posted by saldownes0151

I have just opened a nationwide basic account (cash card account they call it)
I applied online and received a letter to say I have been accepted got sort code and bank account details just waiting on debit card and Internet banking details
I to havent got great credit score!!
May be worth a look ...

Yeah I'm currently with nationwide

[artfulldodger]

Originally Posted by GreenBean

Have you checked your credit score too?

Might help to know recent activity ( if any) as well.


Do that and try again after getting your credit score.

Good Luck

Yeah I checked it today after I seen what you wrote, my credit score is 1-5 lol not good! Interesting info tho

[artfulldodger]

Originally Posted by RosieTosie

I recently opened a co-op cashminder basic account online as well, everything came through the post, have a visa debit card with it as well, everything has gone really smoothly with it, Barclays is excellent for stealth as well and can also be opened online and everything comes in the post including visa debit card.

Barclays is another I could try nice one