Debt Question Of The Week

I have been trying to open a new cash card account at the bank but they keep telling me I can’t have a basic bank account and that I must apply for a current one. Do I have to ?

  • If you are trying to resolve your debt situation and want a neutral account, then a basic, instant access cash card account is the best option.
  • Whichever neutral bank you approach, you should remember that you are the customer and the bank should be seeking to open the basic account that you are asking for. 
  • It isn’t clear whether bank staff have incentives for persuading clients to open current accounts, but you should maintain that it is only a basic cash card that you need, as a current account would involve a credit check.
  • You do not need the overdraft facility or cheque book that comes with a current account either. 
  • Everyone has the right to have a basic card account.

Find out more about Basic Bank Accounts here.

For further debt advice, call Payplan on 0800 316 1833 or submit an online enquiry.