New user - Bank account problem

[jwoody8]

Hi guys. I got the guide last night and found it really interesting.

I am working my way through the steps to set up a new stealth account but have hit a hurdle at the bank account stage.

I have read some posts on the best banks to use and have tried opening up accounts with several recommended banks (Halifax, Natwest, etc) but they all come up with the same problem. When trying to verify my identity electronically it always fails and then asks me to visit a branch with passport, utility bills etc.

Is this a common problem and is there a way around it, or are there any banks that always guarantee an application online?

Many thanks guys

[Ebayorbust]

Just go to the branch and open the account there. What's the big deal?

[kathemmi]

The Co-op will normally open a bank account over the phone if you are onthe electoral roll, or NatWest on line also if you are on the roll
You aren't trying to open the account in a stealth name are you?

[rsot]

Welcome to the forums - do NOT try to open a bank account using stealth info - that's illegal

[jwoody8]

No not using a stealth name. Using all my own real details. Just seems to be an issue with verifying my info

Looks like a trip down the high street for me then

[GreenBean]

Originally Posted by jwoody8

No not using a stealth name. Using all my own real details. Just seems to be an issue with verifying my info

Looks like a trip down the high street for me then

If your credit history is not the best because of extenuating circumstances, try to open a basic account.

No need for all the fluffy extras.

Good Luck

[arshavin]

I had to visit a halifax and provide details. I was in there no more than 5 minutes.

They just take your info away and photocopy it and send you on your way.

You will have the bank account info within the next week or so after this.

[derbydave]

What arshavin said for Halifax.

Natwest do the same thing (photocopying docs) but give you your account details there and then.

RBS is the same as Halifax

[JomJarr]

Originally Posted by Greenie

If your credit history is not the best because of extenuating circumstances, try to open a basic account.

No need for all the fluffy extras.

Good Luck

I realise this is an old thread - just wanted to say the basic account for Metro Bank isn't good enough as they don't allow direct debits and that has caused probs for me on PP in the past.

[frksmth]

Originally Posted by JomJarr

I realise this is an old thread - just wanted to say the basic account for Metro Bank isn't good enough as they don't allow direct debits and that has caused probs for me on PP in the past.

None of the savings accounts in the UK allow direct debits, do they?. A basic account is a savings account, isn't it?

As for the OP's question, even for a savings account, banks carry out a credit check and try to confirm your location and ID, when this fails (supposing you do not have a credit history, it's possible!), they ask you to provide documents in person or through mail.


****
Sorry to bring back the old thread!

[Ebayorbust]

A basic account is a savings account, isn't it?

No, it isn't.

[rsot]

Savings accounts can allow direct debits if activated accordingly...

[stealthybutnotwealthy]

could anybody confirm which UK savings account work with paypal at present?

[Ebayorbust]

Originally Posted by rsot

Savings accounts can allow direct debits if activated accordingly...

Which UK savings accounts??

There is a big difference between an saver not being kicked by Paypal versus a saver having a dd facility attached to it.

[isitworththestress]

Anyone tried a credit union bank account, which is normally a basic account?

[ripro]

I opened an account online with Santander, Smile(online account anyway but signed by CO-OP), CO-OP and Halifax. Natwest asked to get in branch just to confirm identity.
All work very well.All are basic free accs just don't request overdraft limit when you apply this makes it more complicated.

[JamesNorth101]

Try not to open too many accounts too fast.

[natbabes]

I use CO-OP on my stealth account

I applied online & was accepted without having to send over any ID or visit a branch, my details arrived in the post a few days later

They also accept miss matched names which is a must for stealth

Lloyds is definitely one to avoid as mentioned many times on this forum

[tmastermind]

Below applies mostly in principal to UK

Current accounts are standard main accounts which often come with a credit check and have overdrafts, cheque book Debit card etc and often require a stipulation of over £500+ a month to be paid in like a wage etc. They often come with extra fluff for a monthly fee.

Basic bank accounts are simple cut down versions of current accounts which were introduced for those with poor credit CCJs or even declared bankrupt. You normally have to be 18+ to open one. They come with a ATM cash card which is normally also a Visa Debit. No credit check is required in most cases for a basic bank account but you will need to provide docs or be on electrol roll if done online. These accounts are favoured for the stealther as they can take DD mandate.

Savings accounts are savings accounts, i.e. they come with paying in book and a cash card for ATM cash withdrawal but often will not have the visa logo i.e its not a debit card and cannot therefore take debits on the account like online payments, Direct debit mandate and overdrafts etc.

The following link is good for basic bank accounts

Top 10 Basic Bank accounts

[isitworththestress]

Most banks will allow you to open four normal current accounts, as long as you are marked as working or looking for work or one of the other favoured options and have not messed up your credit rating,

Just heard on a radio show about money that a lot of people were doing that for maximum interest or something, so they would have four current accounts in each of the high street banks to spread their money and to gain better rates of interest.
No idea why they do it, as I doubt I will ever have the cash the people who were doing that had in each account.

[ShadowWalker]

every time you apply for a current account it is shown on your credit file regardless of the result.

Basic bank accounts and savers do not.

[tmastermind]

Originally Posted by isitworththestress

Most banks will allow you to open four normal current accounts, as long as you are marked as working or looking for work or one of the other favoured options and have not messed up your credit rating,

Just heard on a radio show about money that a lot of people were doing that for maximum interest or something, so they would have four current accounts in each of the high street banks to spread their money and to gain better rates of interest.
No idea why they do it, as I doubt I will ever have the cash the people who were doing that had in each account.

Some do it because for example, I think it was santander or Halifax that gave a £100 bonus if you swapped your account with them. People do this to get the bonus which is normally paid after 3 months of opening an account and then they close the account and move elsewhere.