business account

[risingstars]

Hi everyone,
I am thinking to switch my cashplus business account to high street bank.
I have been with cashplus for over 2 and half years and with overdraft facility. The main reason of thinking of leaving cashplus is, there is no cheque book and no international bank transfer. I do import from far east which I used personal bank accounts of other family members, or western union.
My credit history wasn't great few years back, therefore I had to open the cashplus business account with separate merchant account for accepting card payments.
I do believe my credit history has been improved. Do you think it is worth to try to apply for high street bank account? I have looked into Santander, Natwest and Halifax, however I do not want to risk for refusal and damage my credit hostory.
I have applied credit card recently sucessfully, no CCJ s on past 6+ years, am sole trader.
Please advice.

 

[Ivel]

Just go to the bank you do personal banking with and apply there.

 

[eastcoastbaby]

Seems like you've been sensible. Opening an account (albeit with cashplus) that you could get at the time, while you work to improve your credit rating, and develop a set of proven financials for your business.

This post has some good information for those with a poor credit history - http://moneysavinganswers.com/busin...siness-bank-account-with-poor-credit-history/

I've used Barclays in the past because I have personal banking with them, and they've been pretty good.

Santander are easy to open an account with, but beware if you do any mobile banking banking. Their app is the worst (not just banking) app I've ever come across.

Before moving to Santander, I applied at TSB. That was a mistake. They print out your online application form and then post it to you to fill out parts out again. Seems pointless. Santander opened my account within two days, but my cards and welcome letter did take 5 days to arrive.

 

[risingstars]

Thank you for your reply.
I have a personal account with co-op. It is a caahminder account. I wasn't even able to open an current account with them because I don't have regular earning income to put in each month. Therefore it won't be an option to try for an business account with them.
I have been looking into the details of applying business account with them. I have also googled their terrible reviews. However their international bank transfer fee is quite high. There is no HSBC branch near me. I have also looked into Halifax (RBS) too.
I haven't applied any of them yet. However, Santander might be easier to get approved.