btw what is that? 
It’s a little before your time. I think they closed in the 70s!
Edit: Merged into NatWest in 1968. So I was very close!
oh.
You can try something like
https://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/currentaccounts/cashminder
https://secure.cbonline.co.uk/personal/current-accounts/standard-current-account/
which are both open to 16+
I haven’t looked at your transaction history in the first post, but I strongly suggest you stop doing crypto, trading or anything similar which will cause you more problems.
Also, as you’re only 16, you can’t legally do many things you can when you are 18 in terms of contracts… And I believe Coinbase doesn’t allow under 18s to have accounts either
There may be other suitable options listed at https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/basic-bank-accounts
Failing that, have a look at getting a savings account instead. Mondo can transfer your money their instead.
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thanks very much, coop have already declined me ive tried them but ive never seen virginmoney so in the morning ill definitely give them a call and see if they can help me out. Should i mention that i have a cifas marker or just try any apply?
No need to mention it as there’s nowhere for them to input such information. It just explains why you were declined if that happens.
Open a Revolut account instead and use it responsibly. You don’t need an account with an actual bank. No credit checks that way.
Revolut is 18+
I know this is quite ambitious but is there any way I could get Santander to change their account registration policy? What would I need to do? Because the thought of other kids doing the same mistake right this moment is horrifying. What I mean by that is That at Santander you can open an account online without parent permission or going into branch that screams to be abused
Absolutely not, waste of time and effort. You committed fraud at the end of the day.
Oh no you misunderstood me, I want to do something to stop other kids from falling for the same trap.
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I’ve always liked the idea of a simple quiz/info dump/game for vulnerable customers and younger customers. For example: highlighting what money mules are, that giving access to your account to others is not allowed and the (serious) concequences of those actions.
Its fair to say that a lot of people dont read the Terms of Use even though they claim to and lots don’t even realise what theyre doing is wrong. Ignorance isn’t a way out of committing fraud but I think more could be done to target and inform people most susceptible to it.
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It’s kind of obvious though that they shouldn’t be doing it - they do it for the financial reward. Is it really possible that the thought didn’t run through their heads that it’s not okay?
I see what you are saying. I’m surprised Santander allows anyone under 16 to open a bank account without parental permission. Even if it’s not a “real” bank account, it has the potential to be abused in such a way as to receive a cifas marker and hence have a lasting impact for many years.
If a 15 year old is not responsible enough to legally drink, drive, have sex, etc, it’s unfair to expect them to be fully responsible enough to recognise and appreciate the lasting impact of fraud.
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Have you tried Nationwide’s FlexOne which is for under 18s? https://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/current-accounts/flexone/whats-flexone
Yeah the thing is any “current account” puts you through checks and if you get a cifas it’s automatically declined
Ah.
Have you tried the savings account route as many will give you a shot code and account number. There should be less checks for them.
Damian I think you have been very brave posting everything that has happened on here. Yes you committed fraud, but I think you should be commended for wanting to do something that would stop others falling for the same trap. People should not be victim blaming you. Let’s remember that these people are professional criminals who prey on children’s naivety.
I’m over double your age, an entrpraneur, have my own successful business and I am financially savvy. But I know that when I was your age I would have very likely fallen for the same trap that you did if it had crossed paths with me.
You are young, things will get better. Sure, you won’t get any credit for six years, but try looking at that as a positive thing. Have you found an account yet? Try looking for prepaid cards (not banks) which supply a sort code and account number like Pocket.
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I appreciate that a lot, my life has fallen apart ever since that marker but there’s nothing I can really do now. As for prepaid cards there is none that offer services to under 18s. You mentioned pockit, that’s one of them that dont work with under 18s
Give Citizens Advice a call - they will definitely either be able to help or point you in the right direction of those who can.
It’s a bit unfair, if OP had chosen to do stock trading on the market you probably wouldn’t say that but because it’s crypto, it’s a sort of taboo.