bank accounts

[ginger 69]

I am finding it hard to obtain a bank account with a debit card facility. I am not interested in overdrafts or cheque books i just don't want to have to draw all my money out each week "just in case" i see something or my shopping bill is more/less than i have. I have a low income and low credit score though i only owe about 1000 in debts.

[Sequin]

Most banks now do a basic account - debit card that doesn't let you go over your balance, no overdraft etc

Try

http://www.ukpersonal.hsbc.co.uk/hsbc/personal_banking/c urrent-accounts/basic-bank-account

[ginger 69]

 I have tried all major banks.  I have even had a refusal from the co-operative bank which' apparantly don't check credit scoring!

[stevie21]

Basic accounts have basic cards which are no different (as far as my hazy memory goes) to cash cards that only work in ATM machines.
Do you already have any bank account? You could ask that bank what it would take to be eligible for an Electron or Solo card.

An alternative would be to apply for a credit card and to pay the bill IN FULL every month to avoid accruing interest. You may even get brownie points on your bank account if you do this by Direct Debit. Although I'd refuse you at the Bank Of Stevie, there are some companies out there who are more lenient. I'd try Capital One and anyone else who charge horrific rates of interest.

[ginger 69]

its a good job im not applying at the bank of stevie then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think i may see CAB about some budgeting/debt managment.

[sammy snake]

Most major banks wouldn't turn you down for a 'basic' account unless you had a bad credit record. 

Accounts with a debit card with no overdraft facilities or cheque books are supposed to available to most people so I can only assume that you have not kept up repayment against something or have CCJ's or other bad debts. (I'm not suggesting you have, just can't see any other reason why they would turn you down).

[finex]

I would suggest that you contact a credit reference agency such as Experian, and obtain a copy of your credit report. It should only cost a few quid, and will show all information that lenders have linked to your name and address.

A common problem can be if a current/previous occupant of your address defaulted on a debt, especially if they had the same surname as you (this can be a real pain, and doubly so if it was another family member). The address is then flagged, which you will need to sort out by informing them that you have nothing to do with that person.

Otherwise, I fail to see why you would be unable to get a debit card with no overdraft facility. It's not like you're after anything more than your own money!

[stevie21]

finex, you can still go overdrawn with a debit card. In an ideal world this would be made to be impossible but is the world ideal? Did I wake up next to Beyonce this morning?

There's more to it than just getting at your own money (which a cash card will allow).