Opening a basic bank account

[milly143]

Is it possible that I could be refused a basic bank account that offers just a cash card and no overdraft facility if I have a poor credit rating?

[trulli]

Hi,

It is possible but highly unlikely. Don't know about other banks but you can open a step account online with Nat West . It gives you a cash card/solo and no overdraft.

If thats any help.

[SaxyJag]

Trulli, as I've said before, I have a credit rating that would make the Hamiltons blush (we went bankrupt in 1996 and I can't even get a 'bad credit' loan). I opened a Co-Op Cashminder Account last November, and the only delay was because their fax machine had gone down and they had to send my ID through the post, rather than fax it. Otherwise - no problem at all. They like to see two forms of ID, and one of them was my bank statement with a huge unauthorised overdraft showing on it, but there was no problem.

[vicalncraig]

This type of account was specifically designed for those of us with poor credit, unemployed etc.

[SaxyJag]

You can do a search here:

http://www.moneysupermarket.com/currentaccount s/

You need to click/tick the basic bank accounts option and put in your typical balance.

[trulli]

I remember when I first applied for a mortgage they wanted a utility bill as one of the I.D's required, spent ages trying to argue the point that as I still lived at home I couldn't provide utility bill! Banks are so knotted up in procedures. In the end I lied and said I had rang head office who said it was ok to use a catalogue bill.