i have an 18 year old daughter who has had a "smart card" account at nationwide for 4 years. all her savings from birthdays/christmas and part time work have built a nice sum over that time. (2k +) she has no debit card or cheque book - just a card to use at atms. she has applied for a debit card via a flex account - not an overdraft, credit card or anything like that, just a debit card - but they have refused. she did part time work for about a year from 16 until a year ago when she fell ill and could not contine working along with trying to do 4 A levels at 6th form. so, because she has no regular income nationwide refuse to offer her a debit card. anyone any suggestions where she can go to obtain a debit card so that she can do the odd bit of shopping (when the illness allows) without carrying cash around with her ? i should perhaps add that i ran into the same problem with her sister - even though she had a regular income and no such illness. my wife and i have beeen with nationwide since the 70s but im close to taking our custom elsewhere given their bl***dy stupid approach to their customers.

See link - haven't read in detail but says 16 - 20 and debit card. Got it from MONEY - current accounts above.

http://www.alliance-leicester.co.uk/current-accounts/premier-21-account.aspx

mahemick:

i have beeen with nationwide since the 70s but im close to taking our custom elsewhere given their bl***dy stupid approach to their customers.

From what you have said I think the principal sticking point is the lack of regular income rather than your daughter's age. What a sh*t way for Nationwide to treat a customer though to be honest most banks are the same.

All is not lost however. Turn the tables on all banks with a basic bank account. They hate them because they are forced to issue them but make little money from them. It's the virtual absence of charges stoopid. Several banks offer accounts with either Visa Electron or Maestro/Solo debit cards. Lloyds TSB offer a Visa branded debit card except that unlike the Electron/Solo cards which work in Link ATMs, the Lloyds TSB card only works in Lloyds TSB ATMs. Up to you. As you know, but for the benefit of others, the Nationwide basic bank account does not offer a debit card. The solution is clear. Avoid Nationwide if you want a debit card with a basic bank account.

I hope this link is allowed as it is more complete than the Moneysupermarket table.

http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/HTML/en/products/bank_accounts/basic_bank_accounts_popup.htm