Government Bounce Back Loans

[Virgo1958]

Is anyone having a problem trying to get a BBL? DH is a self employed driving instructor and uses an account with Barclays Bank. The number given for applying for a BBL is constantly busy and although having hung on the line he cannot get through. Just wondered if anyone else is having better luck.

My brother applied with Barclays and had issues on the phone. He was directed to their website where we filled in the info and he got a callback from a case handler in a few days.

Thanks for message BingeOnChocolate. We went on website and was told to phone a number which said minimum waiting time was 2 hours.

I don’t think many places are offering them anymore. I’m fairly certain Barclays and HSBC had a date back in September that you had to apply by... they are now only offering top ups to people who already applied. Starling were the last bank to be offering them, but they waitlist you when you open a new account, and it seems they limit new sole trader accounts - ltd company accounts are easier to get, I think.

Has he got a business account manager at Barclays? It could be worth asking them. I know a few existing customers said they’d manage to get loans once they’d officially stopped, but that was back in October/November, so I’m not sure if it’s still the case.

Yeah, Money Saving Expert is still listing Barclays as having closed for applications.

Thanks for replies. Think that they have extended the time limit to 31 March for these loans. DH has an account with Barclays for his business but technically its not an actual business account. We do general banking with Starling. Barclays are still officially open for this but some swamped and you just can't get through to speak to anyone or get an application form. We are going to carry on trying today if it means holding on the phone for hours!

They have extended the time for the loans, but according to the updated MSE website, none of the banks have extended their application windows.

But I hope you got through and got good news!

(Sorry, pressed send too soon)

Still trying SendMeHome, did speak to someone at Barclays today and they are still arranging them but we can't complete an online application form because he doesn't have a business account but we can still apply but only via the dreaded phoneline. So getting on the line early tomorrow and have to hold on as long as it takes.

The issue is the opening of new bank accounts - taking weeks at the moment! Speak to your personal bank if they are still doing them - will be quicker as your ID is already verified.

Just in case someone is remotely interested we have had some luck. Got on the phone early today, waited 1 hour 45 minutes but then someone answered and we seem to have passed the initial assessment and have someone ringing back on Monday morning to do a business record. At least we will find out if we can have it soon.