The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

I had the list of banks to ring in my hand and thought I would start with Barclays because it seems a few are using that bank.

Rang Barclays, same number as last time, asked the same question,..."I would like to open a bank account, just to clarify we sell firearms to the public"...expecting the intake of breath and NO for an answer, being ready to ask to speak to the manager and get the NO in writing.

Answer..."no problem, I'll schedule a meeting with the local branch manager at a time that suits you".



wtfwtf happened?

Anyway...I was then told that due to the nature of the business a decision cannot be made at local branch level. :roll:
At least we have an appointment clapclap

I'll keep you up to date as we progress. Our appointment is start of April.

This is the number I rang, 0800 515 462 MON FRI 8-8 Sat 9-1
They will then make an appointment with your local branch.

Because we now have an appointment I shan't ring other banks for now.

FencepostError wrote:Perhaps this has already be considered - or is just a stupid idea - but if shooting-related businesses do keep having a problem with banks, perhaps there might be a role for a credit union for shooters and shooting-related businesses? As I understand it, credit unions can now provide facilities including direct debits, debit cards, and so on.

We've been a member of a credit union for years. Much better than banks and they don't charge rip off fees, in fact hey don't charge any fees.

Blu

Blu wrote:

FencepostError wrote:Perhaps this has already be considered - or is just a stupid idea - but if shooting-related businesses do keep having a problem with banks, perhaps there might be a role for a credit union for shooters and shooting-related businesses? As I understand it, credit unions can now provide facilities including direct debits, debit cards, and so on.

We've been a member of a credit union for years. Much better than banks and they don't charge rip off fees, in fact hey don't charge any fees.

Blu

Banks in the UK still mostly provide free banking to individuals (not so sure about businesses). I suspect this is a reason why credit unions are less popular in the UK than the US, though I suspect this may change if (when?) free banking comes to an end.

As I understand it credit unions in the UK have to be related to a geographical area or some other constituency (such as people in a particular profession or members of a union). I'd think that one of the national shooting organisations could set one up if they wanted - if there was sufficient reason to do so.

Of course, if Barclays will do it that's probably easier :)

Given that shooters are one of the most law abiding sections of the community, setting up a credit union might not be too difficult. What other 'profession' (for want of a better word) is vetted by the police for honesty and integrity every five years?

FencepostError.

As I understand it credit unions in the UK have to be related to a geographical area or some other constituency (such as people in a particular profession or members of a union).

Yep it used to be much the same here in the US in days gone by. These days not so much, anyone can bank with a Credit Union these days.

Blu

meles meles wrote:Given that shooters are one of the most law abiding sections of the community, setting up a credit union might not be too difficult. What other 'profession' (for want of a better word) is vetted by the police for honesty and integrity every five years?

Hmm. The other potential advantage (as far as I understand it) is that a shooters' credit union could take (FSCS insured deposits) and make loans to small shooting-related businesses. It might be a reasonably low-risk way (interest/dividend isn't protected but I think the principle should be) for shooters to get fairly competitive interest rates on savings and help support shooting businesses.

All just wild speculation, of course :)

I had the meeting with Lloyds got an account number and sort code then a call the next day to say no sign01

Fester wrote:I had the meeting with Lloyds got an account number and sort code then a call the next day to say no sign01

Sounds like the decision was made from higher up, exactly what we were told by the account manager.

Discrimination and restrictive trade practices? Banks are the devils whores!

Fester, did they give a reason that could be construed as discrimination in any way against the trade?