How long does it take?

[Skithepowder]

How long does it take to set up a bank account? Ideally I'd like to have a debit card. I'm 18, not a student atm, just finished school and am taking a gap year before uni next year. Anyone reccomend some sites where you can compare bank accounts so I can decide who to use?

Cheers people.

[stevie21]

What exactly do you want from your bank?
Overdraft? Switch/Delta card (as opposed to Solo/Electron)?
Direct Debits, chequbook, cheque guarantee card, no charge for copies of old statements, or even for using your card abroad?
The more specific you can be the better the advice that you'll get.
As it stands, I'd suggest the Bank of Pakistan. There's a branch on Sauchiehall Street next to the casino.
Oh, that and moneyfacts.co.uk

[Skithepowder]

Direct debits would be good, don't want a chequebook, don't really care about charges for old statements, being able to manage it by the internet would be good. Whats the difference between those types of debit cards then? Cost of using the card abroad isn't a big thing but it would be nice for it to be free or cheap. Decent interest rates. Don't care about overdrafts.

[jean88]

Take about a week to set up an account.

Try www.moneysupermarket.com

[stevie21]

Solo and Electron aren't as widely accepted as Visa Delta/Switch.
I think that Delta/Switch are equally as widely accepted in the UK but it might be that Visa Delta is more widely accepted abroad and online Could be wrong..

Every current accout should offer you direct debits, a chequebook, some form of debit card (although I'd insist on them offering Switch/Delta), online banking etc.
The difference is in interest rates, charges, service and maybe online capabilities.
You could either pore over the differences or just contact Nationwide and get an account there.

[MissyA369]

There is a great section especially for students on hotcourses.com that compares all banks and their facilities, i'd definetley recommend it.

 

You'll find it in the funding section