I'd have thought almost all of them would offer their basic accounts at this point TimeLord.

All but a couple of them do so while people are actually in trust deeds.

Are you thinking of an account with more "features" than the usual basic accounts?

Thanks TDA

no, absolutely basic account - my wife when in a TD used my account so hasn't had a ank account for years - now she has had her form 5 she wants to get her own bank account and start to rebuild her credit. So you recon Bos, RBS etc wil allow her a basic account?i assumed she'd fail a credit check for that?

Basic bank accounts are meant for people with poor credit ratings. Most banks won't offer them to people who are undischarged bankrupts or who have a history of fraud, but otherwise they should be accessible to anyone.

Hi TimeLord,

I think the only way to find out is the apply for a basis bank account. If your wife is worried about failing a credit check she could always apply online and it avoids the situation of being in the bank at the counter to find this out.

If she does apply let us know how she gets on.

Hi all, tried online - TSB rejected her for basic account.

This is causing her real difficulty as she can't sign up for Noddle without a debit or credit card of which she has none. I understand Barclays have an account specifically for situations like this but they only allow in branch applications and we've not one anywhere near us 🙁

Which banks do have local branches TimeLord?

You may wish to take a look at the Co-operative Bank Cashminder account. We don't normally include links in the forum, but I'll make an exception:

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/currentaccounts/cashminder

try nationwide. Apply online

Thanks TDA, coop is equally as far away as Barclays but it seems you can apply by post (though not online) :-/

Maybe give them a try.

Would applying to numerous banks online leave 'footprints' on her credit score and thus further complicate matters?

I understand that a significant number of credit searches in a short period of time can create a red flag for lenders TimeLord. That's because it might be a sign that something untoward is going on.

There again... your wife isn't applying for credit as far as I understand it so perhaps there isn't much to be lost from trying?