bank account

[v.mm]

Hi,

I applied for a business bank account online on the 1st of August. On the 4th of August the bank wrote to me asking for a copy of my ID, current bank statement and a letter confirming the nature of my business.

I sent them the requested info on the day and on the 9th of August I called them to check the progress of my account. I was told that they needed to do additional checks because as an export company, exporting to Africa, I am a high fraud risk client. (OK)

Anyway I called them up again yesterday and they said they will have a decision by next week Friday. This seems like a long time to wait for a bank account. I have made an appointment with another bank for next week Friday. If I dont get a decision by next week Friday, I am trying another bank.

Does it take almost 4 weeks to open a business bank account?

[MyAccountantOnline]

Yes it can do - I wouldnt say your experience is unusal.

[Cypriot]

Hi There,
I have opened Bank account with Abbey and it took more than 4week so expect anything :)

[Rolo Tomasi]

I've just opened a business account with Santander. It was all done online and I had the account number and debit cards within a week.

[Cypriot]

Well I have done with their account manager in Swansea , i think i tried todo it online but they forward me to their business account manager ,,

[v.mm]

Thanks for the replies. I will wait it out : - )

[eutrans]

I opened one at HSBC within an hour and 2 cups of coffee of walking in there.

[benjamin_c]

I opened one at HSBC within an hour and 2 cups of coffee of walking in there.
Yeah i'm with HSBC and so far they have been great, although i have been a personal customer with them for ages so they used my personal accounts to verify my identy and check that i was credit worthy. :)

[Cypriot]

is business banking Free for life with them ? '

[benjamin_c]

is business banking Free for life with them ? '
If you have a business direct account, then yes.