Hey girls,

I had an appointment with my accountat today and as we were discussing about registering with HMRC and paying the taxes, he advised me to open a new bank account specially for this. I have a student bank account right now and because work became really good, I do not want to mix things and I think that opening a new bank account would be a good idea.

However, I have been today to a HSBC branch and I told them that I am interested in opening a personal account. I told them that I already have a student account with NatWest and they asked me why I want to open a new account. I told them that I am not really happy with the services that NatWest offers (lie ) and that I would be interested in their services - it did not really work. They asked me if I have a job and because I said I do not, they told me that they can only open another Student Account. I am not interested in another student account. I want a personal account. Then I told them about the fact that I am self-employed (make-up artist  ) and that this would be the reason for opening a personal account. But they told me that I need to talk with the Business Manager, for opening a Business account. Obviously, I do not want this.

What can I do in order to open a personal account? Are all the banks so "moody"? Should I try to another bank?

Thanks x

Hmm.. I should try Hallifax.

Those from HSBC told me that I am a full time student and I have a job as a part-time thing so this is why they can only open a student account.

When I told them about the fact that I am a self-employed they told me to open a Business account.

I opened my basic Santander current account online without setting foot in a branch, and use it for all my work stuff - I only need to be able to deposit cash, have a few direct debits and a debit card and it's perfectly adequate. Everybody's circumstances are different, but I don't even recall any particularly nosy questions on the form so possibly worth a try .


Edit: my personal account is with Halifax and I'd recommend them too, but before that I was with Lloyds for years, and they never pestered me to open a business account.

This sounds really good Amy. It seems that HSBC are being a bit 'arrogant' maybe because of the name they have. But in the end, I just need a personal account - no matter where.

I will take a look at Santander too.

Thanks x

Also Barclays are very easy going and you can open a current account with your NIN letter as proof of address and your ID card/passport.

Also Barclays are very easy going and you can open a current account with your NIN letter as proof of address and your ID card/passport.

Thank you Hotblondie x

I had a meeting with Barclays for a second account.
I said I was a therapist ahd just wanted another account because all my bills etc come out of my Halifax.
Have also opened saving account both Halifax and Barclays online without having to speak to anyone.

That's great. I should try opening a second account with NatWest xx

Banks only want you to open a business account so you can pay the extra charges. As a sole trader/individual it's highly unlikely you will need anything that biz accounts offer, even if you're on a very high income - a good accountant would be cheaper and give you more for your money.

Banks only want you to open a business account so you can pay the extra charges. As a sole trader/individual it's highly unlikely you will need anything that biz accounts offer, even if you're on a very high income - a good accountant would be cheaper and give you more for your money.

I totally agree. I really do not want to open a Business account. I do not find it useful in my situation. x