Finding it impossible to open a business bank account

[and04]

Hope someone can help here...  Basically I'm finding it impossible to open a business banks account, simply because banks are not offering appointments due to coronavirus related issues, not just branches near to where I live, but also across the board.  I've tried Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Santander, TSB, RBS - the lot!  I've even complained to the FCA via formal letter, but all I got was 'banks are not obliged to offer you their services.'  At the same time I can't use Nationwide with whom I have a personal account, because they don't offer business current accounts and won't allow me to use the personal one for business transactions! 

I just don't know, any ideas?

[MsLeon]

Snap!  I also have account with them and have had similar ruddy problem since about beginning of July!  Why don't they offer current business accounts??  Grrrrr!  Can understand your frustration.

[a.flynn]

Hope someone can help here...  Basically I'm finding it impossible to open a business banks account, simply because banks are not offering appointments due to coronavirus related issues, not just branches near to where I live, but also across the board.  I've tried Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Santander, TSB, RBS - the lot!  I've even complained to the FCA via formal letter, but all I got was 'banks are not obliged to offer you their services.'  At the same time I can't use Nationwide with whom I have a personal account, because they don't offer business current accounts and won't allow me to use the personal one for business transactions! 

I just don't know, any ideas?

I'm with one of the banks mentioned, Santander which as far as I'm aware are allowing existing customers only to apply for business accounts - same may apply to others you mention.  Point being, why not open a personal account with one of them and then apply for a business one a month or so later?  Just an idea.

[and04]

Hope someone can help here...  Basically I'm finding it impossible to open a business banks account, simply because banks are not offering appointments due to coronavirus related issues, not just branches near to where I live, but also across the board.  I've tried Barclays, NatWest, Lloyds, Santander, TSB, RBS - the lot!  I've even complained to the FCA via formal letter, but all I got was 'banks are not obliged to offer you their services.'  At the same time I can't use Nationwide with whom I have a personal account, because they don't offer business current accounts and won't allow me to use the personal one for business transactions! 

I just don't know, any ideas?

I'm with one of the banks mentioned, Santander which as far as I'm aware are allowing existing customers only to apply for business accounts - same may apply to others you mention.  Point being, why not open a personal account with one of them and then apply for a business one a month or so later?  Just an idea.

Thank you.  I've thought of this, but problem is the time factor.  I also don't have certain forms of photo ID.  I don't drive, didn't renew my passport (once you've seen a few countries you've seen them all...), and can't get an EU citizens card thingy because we're no longer in it!

[ATH019]

A fair number are experiencing this, which according to some, is due to overstretched bank staff dealing with covid related issues, such as issuing of bounce back loans.



Global Moderator