Bad Credit But Need A Bank Account

[Eurox]

I don't currently have a bank account, and due to student debt and other things I've refused even the basic of account from the main banks, however I still need a bank account to get paid into and pay things out of.

[RATTER15]

Try Santander, they are very good with this kind of thing.

[Eurox]

I was with santander I have the black mark with, even though I told them if they gave me an overdraft I would be able to get my student loan and pay it back immediately. Alas, they never and I got into a spiralling hole of not being able to pay things and here I am.

[ummmm]

Try one of the debt helplines. They should have a list of banks that will accept you.

[ST24]

I think the best idea is to try to obtain a debit card. It's an account that allows you to use your own money but with the convenience of a credit card. It will of course allow you to pay in or out.
Google "debit card for student" to find a bank that will help you.

[EDDIE51]

As long as you have ID go to Barclays and open a cash card account.It gives you a debit card and bank account that lets you pay in and make direct debits etc. It does not allow you to go overdrawn , you can only spend what is in it.
there is also a basic cash card account from the post office that is designed for recieving benefit payments but it works as a standard bank account as well.

[Sharingan]

Why don't you just get a cashplus card, it's an online application, everyone is accepted and you can use it just like a bank account, plus there is the op;tion to put a ' credit builder' into it.
http://www.mycashplus.co.uk/offers/cashplus/fee-free/default.aspx?pc=MUK495

[EDDIE51]

Sharingan The ad says it is only fee free for the first 3 months. After that you would pay a fee to withdraw cash.

[Sharingan]

Yes I know, I was under the impression that the poster needed something he could have money paid into, draw money from and generally treat like a bank account since he has apparently been refused a basic bank account with the major banks. This allows him to do that, I wasn't aware there was a criteria where everything had to be free. Lots of people have cashplus accounts that I know which is why I suggested it. The charges are not massive by any means :)

[dollie65]

what about the post office ?

[Sharingan]

http://www.mycashplus.co.uk/get-a-card/types-of-accounts.aspx

That explains the options slightly better :)

[bednobs]

it would probbaly be helpful eurox to tell us which banks you have already tried

[chrissa1]

The Cooperative Bank do a basic account. It's called a Cashminder Account. No overdraft or cheque book, but it does have a Debit Card. No Bank Charges either.

[EDDIE51]

The co-op bank cashminder will even accept undischarged bankrupts , about the only one that will, so they will definately be ok for you.

[themas]

Eddie - yes Co-op should be OK, but I know someone who was refused - couldn't find out why, unfortunately. But definitely worth trying.

The last resort is to open a savings account with a bank or building society of the type where money can be paid in by BACS (which is what will be needed for any wages or benefits to be paid in). However, this is very limited as the money can normally only be withdrawn in cash. Some of them do provide "counter cheques" - i.e. if you go into the branch with details of who you want a cheque made out to they will do it & give you the cheque to send off.