Problems with (UK) banks

[TheShortStack]

I posted this up on AGD, but thought I'd post up here too to try and get some feedback from affiliates who might have had similar issues.

Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone has had any problems opening up bank accounts for their affiliate work based on the nature of their business?

I've just had an application for an account turned down with HSBC after they had a look at one of my websites and decided that they couldn't support that sort of business as it actively promoted gambling online.

I'd like to open up a new account to help me run my finances more efficiently, but I wasn't expecting people to react to online gaming so strongly.

If you've had similar problems, can you let me know how you got round them? And if you're in the UK, can you let me know whether your bank is ok with you promoting online gaming ... and who they are!

[xYassassinYx]

Hey dude,

I'm with Alliance + Leicester/Santander. I just went into their office, made an appointment and went to it. The woman asked a few questions and I just said it was an account for work (at this time I was actually unemployed lol). Anyway, I've never had ANY problems or questions from them, maybe if I was bringing in £10k or so a month they would start asking questions though.

Solid bank though, also Halifax is great to deal with.

[Tim]

I have non-gambling business accounts with Natwest and HSBC. But they don't touch gambling, so I went with Lloyds TSB - who were fine with it. There was no need to make up a story, I just phoned them to ask first. Then had a meeting, answered questions, with no issues.

Most banks won't be satisfied with "it's for work". Don't waste your time with Barclays either, as I know they don't touch gambling. I know I phoned a few banks, majority said "we don't allow gambling, etc", but I can't remember them all. Llloyds TSB suits me fine.

[GregW]

Most banks won't be satisfied with "it's for work". Don't waste your time with Barclays either, as I know they don't touch gambling.

Found this out the hard way. I was really surprised that banks aren't interested in dealing with gambling websites. Funny thing is that the lady I spoke with said that if I was dealing with bingo instead of poker it probably would have been fine, which I did not understand at all.

She was sympathetic and all but the final decision was over her head.

EDIT: Also, she said I could just open up a separate personal account and just do all my business transactions through that instead. I wasn't entirely sure on the differences/advantages of a business account over a personal one so I just agreed. I'm a banking noob you see.

I don't know if this is totally standard or if I'm going to land myself in the shit at some point though. Been working out fine so far.

[TheShortStack]

Thanks for the feedback - I'd been around and spoken to a few banks and explained what the whole things was about. Barclays seemed pretty hesitant but in the end were ok ... but I get a feeling that even if they allowed the account, I'd soon get trouble later on.

It's a shame Lloyds seem to be the only option - I wasn't too impressed with their offering. It's not free either I don't think. How are you finding them?

[Tim]

It's a shame Lloyds seem to be the only option - I wasn't too impressed with their offering. It's not free either I don't think. How are you finding them?

I've had no problems. I don't use most of their facilities, just online banking - moving money in and out of Neteller/PayPal mostly. I've never written a single cheque or cashed out of the ATM. I'm strictly low maintenance for them. I got 18 months free banking, not sure what the deal is for new accounts now.

[nirva]

I had no idea this could even be an issue in the UK, we're a very gambling friendly nation.

Anyway, I think I applied for a Santander business account online as they're free, filled in the paperwork they sent and that was it. No problems at all for a few years now.

[Masquerador]

I'm absolutely astounded by this to be honest.

I have long-term relationships with two of the banks mentioned in this thread (Barclays and Lloyds TSB) and this has never even been brought up as an issue. Admittedly I have "non-gambling related" business accounts with both of these banks, but I am amazed they would have a problem with it.

Providing you're running a legitamate business (and to be fair, in many cases even you're not!) these banks should fall not far short of begging you for your business. And they certainly should be offering you free banking for at least your first 18 months.

If anyone is really struggling, I have a personal friends who is quite senior in Corporate banking at a mainstream bank. While I can't promise anything, I'm happy to make an introduction if it would help.

[CasinoMack]

Shocked this is even an issue for you guys.

[szury]

I posted this up on AGD, but thought I'd post up here too to try and get some feedback from affiliates who might have had similar issues.

Basically, I'm just wondering if anyone has had any problems opening up bank accounts for their affiliate work based on the nature of their business?

I've just had an application for an account turned down with HSBC after they had a look at one of my websites and decided that they couldn't support that sort of business as it actively promoted gambling online.

I'd like to open up a new account to help me run my finances more efficiently, but I wasn't expecting people to react to online gaming so strongly.

If you've had similar problems, can you let me know how you got round them? And if you're in the UK, can you let me know whether your bank is ok with you promoting online gaming ... and who they are!

I also had problems with a bank in my country. They told me if I used that account for gambling they would close it. I am using it only for gambling for 2 years now and never had a problem