Best savings account?

Thanks for the info
Looks like Ill go with nationwide then

Would they be fine with me having a monzo current account? I heard some banks only accept you if you don’t have a current account

Will have to find some proof of address then if I have to complete the application in branch, don’t have any lying around though

That would mean it would be impossible for them to have fresh customers if you must have a current account to get a current account.

If you want to get a switch incentive £100 from a friends who already has a Nationwide account, then yes you need an account to switch from.

Otherwise if you want a new bank account then you just say I want to open this account or apply online.

When you apply to any bank they will always do a ID check and credit check on you. You could always be rejected but unless you’ve got outstanding CCJs on you then they will be more than happy to have a new customer.

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Cool thanks

For proof of address (if I need it) I have a utility bill and a letter from the council dated back to January 2019 would that be OK

Something like a passport or driving (provisional) license, birth cert, goverment document is probably the standard ways to ID yourself.

The letters just prove an address you might live at (which you could have potentially just nicked from someones bin). I don’t think you need these anymore but you could take them or give a call to check before you go (you might even be able to book a slot to save hanging around waiting).

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OK thanks
I checked the nationwide website and the documents have to be less than 3 months old

I do however have access to my barclays bills online

No worries.

After all that, I still think you’re crazy for wanting a physical bank unless you are paid in cash, or writing cheques. Much easier to manage money online these days.

Having said, I personally have three NatWest Rewards, Monzo and Starling. Marcus for savings, Freetrade/AJ Bell for shares and S&S ISA.

All useful for different purposes.

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Applied and been accepted for a nationwide current account

Email says they will either open the account shortly or send a letter in the post with regards to my ID
I do have a valid passport so hoping if they do need proof of name I can use this, and the fact they will write to me here should prove my address? Everyone does everything online these days not via post so would be unfair to expect me to have Proof of address.

If they insist, I’ll have to wait until barclays send me a paper statement (which I’ve just requested)

Just did a thorough check at requirements and they accept a passport for applications no need for proof of address so should be OK

Yes

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Great thats all gone through now just waiting to hear back reg my application
Thanks everyone :blush::+1:t4:

We need to verify your identity (your name and address). We will try to do this electronically, but if we ask to see paper ID evidence, you can provide either of the following :

• one document from the UK Photo ID list (must be taken into a branch, please do not post)
OR
• two separate documents: one from the Proof of Name list below and one from the Proof of Current Address list. The same document can’t be used to prove your name and address.

So it seems it can be driving license or passport is accepted and if you can’t provide that then two proof of name and addresses from different sources

Hey @Venomx

Completely off-topic but I just wanted to say that I’m glad you’re feeling better now and are now ready to take control of your finances. Keep asking questions!

Great job to everyone involved in the thread here. Really refreshing watching everyone assist here, gave me that warm fuzzy feeling :smile:

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I really wish Monzo could match or come a lot closer to offering the 1.5% that I have with Marcus. I really want to keep my savings within Monzo but can’t justify it when it’s so easy to just do a transfer to Marcus. It would also be nice to have my LISA and Help To Buy ISA with Monzo too.

Any idea why barclays didn’t need any proof of id when I applied for a current account?
Its not a problem just wondering why

Is it because they do it electronically

:eyes: For anyone keeping track Cynergy Bank’s 1.5% didn’t stay around long - the best now is Shawbrook Bank at 1.48%.

Just got an email I’ve been accepted now just waiting for my personal info in the post
Happy days :grin:

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Last question
I won’t need the debit card as its for my savings, should I activate it anyway and keep it to one side? I will be using Internet banking

Also looking at best savings account options. Will Monzo be rolling out any higher rate deposit products soon? I am aware of Marcus, but 1.45% is actually 1.35% after one year. Still feels quiet low!

Best as of right now is Al Rayan Bank at 1.6%. However…

As it follows Islamic banking principles, it pays an ‘expected profit rate’ rather than interest. While it’s always paid out its expected rate in the past, by definition, it isn’t guaranteed.

Next best is still Marcus at 1.45%.

Check out Top Savings Accounts as that where I normally get all my info on savings accounts from

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I am with Marcus right now and honestly 1.45% does not really move the needle for me.

Something like Dozens with 5% AER sounds much more attractive, the only downside is that one cannot withdraw partial amounts.

Another interesting option is Zeux. They also offer 5% AER in a flexible account. Not sure about early withdrawal penalties, but it looks interesting.

In either case, 5% AER sure beat Marcus 1.45% (introductory) rate in my opinion.

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thanks for the link, very helpful!

Unlikely Monzo will provide table-topping savings accounts.

Likely Monzo provide and will continue to provide best or close to best savings accounts among banks which provide both current and saving accounts (i.e. mainstream banks).

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