First time for nearly 20 years having my own bank account. Help please

[Invasionofthegutsnatchers]

Firstly I'm an intelligent woman with postgrad qualifications and a successful career, I'm just very inexperienced with financial stuff.

I'm separating from my husband who has always managed the money. Im not denying this was a bad decision on my part. We have a joint account. First step is obviously to get my own current account.

My monthly pay is just over 1k. Can I pick any bank to go with? Is it best to take documents eg payslips, passport, driving licence into a branch? Or do it online. Please talk me through what to do. Thanks

You can just do online

I opened an account on line, no need to go in.

Thanks can you explain the process please? I'm very nervous

Download the Monzo app. It’s really user friendly and will take you through the steps

If you open an account with a bank like Starling or Monzo, the whole process is done on your phone. Here's some info from Monzo on how it works and what you need: monzo.com/blog/2019/08/28/how-to-open-a-monzo-account

It's super simple, and within the household we all have either a Starling or Monzo account, the apps are far better than those of the traditional banks, well worth a go.

Thr only thing I would recommend is to open your new bank account with a different bank to your existing joint account. Then the new account cannot be linked to the old one. Partly because if your ex clears out the joint account and puts it into overdraft then the bank cannot come to you for repayment.

Pick a bank you want to use, the same bank you have your joint account with would be good as you’d pass security quicker, then click on open an account. It’s easy.

Have a look at martin Lewis money website thingy, great advice and keeps things simple. www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts/.

You're being silly. Just go to a banks website and follow the instructions for opening a bank account.

Pick a bank that has a local branch so you can go in if you need to talk to them.

Don’t be worried. Read the letters you’re sent and you’ll be fine.

@MbatataOwl I do feel silly that I haven't done this very basic thing sooner. Thanks for your input

It's the first step of a huge process to end my marriage so yes I am nervous. I'm aware that if I mess things up it will all be down to me now. I'm scared of doing it on my own

Thanks @LadyGardenersQuestionTime I will look into Martin Lewis' advice. Can I get a switching bonus if I'm opening a new current account for my pay to go into? The joint account will still be open

Personally I would choose a bank that has a branch near me and go in to open your new account if you are feeling nervous about it all. They should have a member of staff that can sit with you and go through how things work.

Monzo is super easy to open. Download the app and you do it on your phone. I think you’ve made this into something more significant because of what it represents. Imagine your boss at work needs a new bank account and has asked you sort one out for them. You’d just do it. Good luck!

I’d go with a high street bank over Monzo and starling. I have both and a high street account and would be reluctant to put all my money into a Monzo account given stories I e heard of them shutting peoples accounts with no warning. I use mine for everyday spends and abroad (helps with budgeting) but have a high street bank for my pay and all bills. You should be able to open one very easily online. I did with NatWest, I believe you have to take a photo of a passport etc or provide the number and then they’ll just match your details with the credit agency

Definitely check out Martin Lewis MSE. You should be able to get sone sort of nice Chunky welcome present for a lot of banks at the moment.
Remember, when you do decide, it’s in their interest to step you through these processes. You’ll be fine!

You won’t get a switching bonus because your other account will still be open.
make sure you tell your employer your new bank details in time for the next payment run.

It’s easy to set a bank account up. If you can’t verify your details online you just pop into the branch.

In your circumstances I'd be opening one at your nearest branch so you can go in and talk to a real person and I agree not where your joint account is. On line accounts are great - if you're confident to do it. Just because you have an account at a branch doesn't mean you can't have on line banking.

I have the Nat West app on my phone but have a branch in the nearest town where my account is held. Best of both worlds.

Thank you for helpful advice. I feel so embarrassed at being nearly 40 and so incompetent.

It does represent the first step of separation (Well the second). The first was telling him. That's why it is a big deal.

How did you bank before you got married?

Phone them and ask them. They are all commercial entities, keen to pick up new accounts from people who might want to borrow money from them later on, and the ones rated as having good service will be good on the phone. They are there to help.

There are many many good options for you, don’t get paralysed by the choice available, there is often not a lot to choose between them and good is good enough, they all do the same job. You wont go far wrong taking Martin Lewis’ advice.

Enjoy your newfound freedom and power!

You’ve got good advice on opening an account. Once that is done, make sure you give your new sort code and account number to HR at work so they can deposit your pay into the new bank account.

If there is a Metro bank near you I would highly recommend them. They can open an account on the spot and print your bank card for you there and then so it’s all done in one go, which most of the other high street banks can’t do.

I’d look round your local town/high street whatever and pick one of the big banks that has a physical branch that you can get to. I don’t go in often, but it’s so useful to just be able to speak to someone in person when I actually need to.

We opened an account in branch and needed ID (passport or driving license) and proof of address like a bill. Granted it was a few years ago though so processes might have changed.