Anyone know of where a current account can be opened when you have a bad credit history ?. I have seen companies offering this information for a fee - however they offer no guarantees !.

-- Jeff Davis (jeffd@lineone.net), February 20, 2000

Answers

Most banks now realise that just because a person has had a bad credit history in the past, doesn't mean that they will still be a bad risk.

I know of at least two banks that have a current account which offers no risk to them. Abbey National and Barclays. I can't recall the names of the actual accounts, but if you read up on the information on the various current accounts which these banks offer, then you'll see which ones are available to you. I don't think that either offer a chequebook, just the facility for direct debit and standing orders, and a cash card to withdraw. If there are no funds in the account, then payments will not be made.

Hope this helps

-- pendle (pendle@amun-ra.demon.co.uk), February 20, 2000.

Hi

Not sure about the Barclays account, but with the Abbey one, if you have a salary paid in for 6 months they will give you a cheque book, #50 guarantee card, #250 overdraft and a switch card. Maaybe not ideal having to wait 6 months, but better than nothing. The Halifax offer a cardcash account where you can pay direct debits etc, no credit check, and you get a solo card that can be used in most places that accept switch cards immediatly. While on the subject - anyone know where you can get a secured credit card? The woolwich used to do one, but have stopped? Please email me if you have any info on this

thanks

-- Colin (colin@dvds2000.co.uk), April 12, 2000.

Try the Woolwich Open plan account. My partner was repossessed bu has got a current account- -ok all be it without a guarantee card but you can set up direct debits and standing orders. You also get a Visa Electron card. Hope this helps. Good Luck

-- Kate Soper (Kate.soper@virgin.net), August 04, 2000.

I am not so sure about the abbey national, i have had my 30k salary paid in to my saver account for two years..yet they still refused me a current account on account of a credit scooring check. I now have over 10k in my instant saver..still no joy.. as soon as I can get another simple account which allows me to debit, not recieve any credit I will be off.

-- mr tim (shoreditch@hotmail.com), July 02, 2001.