Since she started working a bout 10 weeks ago, we tried desperately to get her a bank account, but same as other members with not much success. After banking with Lloyds TSB for many, many years and acting as a guarantoor, we were knocked back due to " no credit history", so in a fit, we crossed the road and went to HSBC, no problem they said, everyone is welcome, we will start with a "basic account".. Interview over, we were told that everything would be in the post within 5/7 working days... Happy days..!!! Six weekd later, I phone them up, and surprise, surprise, I get told to go to the local branch to sort final things out... Yesterday morning we went in, and were unceremoniously told that as HSBC was a world leading bank, also with a presence in the USA, she did not meet the stringent worldwide banking requirements, and so we were refused.......... What a load of bull, I said to the stuck up woman. So we ambled to santander, yup, fill the pack and post it, we will get in touch... how about doing something today... I asked... No, sir, postal only for new starters... The smell of bs was overpowering I said.... Down the street to the Halifax, yes, appointment at 10 am today, and they are part of Lloyds... But not entirely.... Second thoughts.... So we went Nearly next door to Barclays.. waltzed in, yesterday. and asked a fat blioke at the counter... "how difficult is it, to open a bank account in this bank???" he says "Passport, Proof of address, preferably a NHS NI number confirmation letter and you are laughing" So I decided to put this to the test, and made an appointment for 11 am today, one hour after the Halifax. This morning, I told Jehra that we were not going to the Halifax, but directly to Barclays, and as good measure, we brought her CRB and my electoral registration and Council tax receipt card. well, I was really surprised......... Within one hour everything was sorted, with no problems at all. The young fellow, even sorted her mobile for mobile banking, and opened a savings account as well... I kind put my foot down with a bit of force when he mentioned the words "Credit Card"........ So, kudos to Barclay Bank, folks. if you find yourself in teh same situation, go there first, because they don't adhere to most of the bs that is bandied out by other banks.
Good to hear Dom I think I said earlier we sorted a joint account with Lloyds as I already had a business account with them walked out with the account number
Glad you got it sorted Dom, a pain nonetheless eh! That fat bloke btw is my brother .. joke. Incidentally HSBC also has a presence in Phils too!
Dom, My wife opened a Lloyds TSB basic account immediately when she arrived almost 5 years ago. Maybe things have changed since then
I'm surprised HSBC gave you the runaround, Elsa had no problems opening a basic account, maybe things have changed.
I think they are wrong in law Article 24 - Equal treatment 1. Subject to such specific provisions as are expressly provided for in the Treaty and secondary law, all Union citizens residing on the basis of this Directive in the territory of the host Member State shall enjoy equal treatment with the nationals of that Member State within the scope of the Treaty. The benefit of this right shall be extended to family members who are not nationals of a Member State and who have the right of residence or permanent residence.
