Our bank account opening experience was as expected: reading the forum meant I wasnt hopeful. Daisy started work, had already got a NI number but had to ask the employer to make the cheque payable to me. He first pay slip had a note attached asking her to get a bank account as soon as possible.
Aware that she wouldnt have a credit history but thinking that my 40 years with my bank might count for something we phoned Abbey. Having explained Daisy's situation - new in the country (well 9 months by then), no credit history - they could not offer anything over the phone; the best advice was to go to a branch and seek advice there.
I realised Daisy would probably only be able to get a very basic account but I was keen for her to have a debit card if possible - saves carrying cash.
As people's experience with the big banks has been mixed I checked the Coop bank website and their basic account includes a debit card. So we phoned them. I gave them the same background details. The woman I spoke to wasnt sure but said she would ask. After a couple of minutes she came back to the phone and said she couldnt see any problem. We spent maybe 15 minutes on the phone giving the necessary details and the only other bit of admin was to attend a branch with poof of address. That was done and the cheque book, debit card etc arrived very quickly. Card was delivered to our address, needed no activation and is on the Link network so able to be used at most banks. The account is accessible via the internet too.
My faith was to an extent restored in our financial institutions...............
