I agree there is a place for them if all else fails but I certainly wouldn't have one if I had a choice.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I agree there is a place for paid accounts but I would only open one as a last resort. I'm presuming Think have improved since I was with them as I found their customer service to be very poor and their fees too high.
I guess it's one of those classic cases of different people, different experiences. I think I can honestly say I've never had a problem with them. I understand Skippy a few years ago there may have been some customer service issues and that perhaps their call waiting times were ridiculously lengthy but even that has improved now.
Last payment made on 1st Nov 2011. Happy to be debt free!
I must admit that I think the fees are quite expensive.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I would probably agree with you Kallis, especially for someone like me who only has a small number of direct debits and transactions to process. The fee may be the sole contributing factor that would make me consider switching to another bank after I make my final IVA payment. However, I would miss their service. When I first joined Think I only had a basic account with them with a basic text message service. Now, I have a Mastercard Debit card with them and they have a fantastic internet, phone and text message banking facility. Their service rally has come on well through the years.
Last payment made on 1st Nov 2011. Happy to be debt free!
Just an update- I phoned the Co-op this morning and explained that I applied for the wrong account. Then applied for the cashminder which she said has been accepted subject to normal banking checks? I asked if this was a credit check but she said no its just checking all the info on the form is correct and they would do this for even exisiting customers.
So anyway hopefuly our new account details will be on the way once we have signed the joint account form!
Still will not be able to stop worrying until I recieve the actual bank account details. I'm starting a new job on monday but dont think the details will be here for then!
I had a look at thinkbanking but its says the accoutns are provided by RBS, and these are one of our creditiros.
Excellent news annierose - hopefully you'll get your account soon.
As to paid accounts, there is another one which is not affiliated with any of the normal banks as it is a private bank and that is Secure Trust.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I opened the cash minder over the phone and I chatted the guy on the phone and told him I was in an IVA and he said it didnt matter. I was accepted like you and the normal checks went through fine. Dont worry I think it will be fine. If you ring them again you may be able to get an account number and sort code so you can your pay from your new job put in there.
Hi Annierose - glad to read you have resolved things with Co-op - what they have told you is what they say to everyone so you will be fine. don't feel this needs to be in place and set up before you start any proceedings. You will have it open in time for your first salary payment though so you will be fine. They are usually quite quick in giving account details.
Regards,
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co-op bank should sort you out , another user told them about the iva and co-op told him that lots of people use the cashminder account for iva and bankrupcy use, so they know the score.
Hi annierose - that's what they told me. I rang them back 2 days later to ask if it was all ok and they were able to give me the account number so I would give them a call Thurs or Fri to see if you can do the same
I opened a Smile (CO-OP) account just before my IVA started and got accepted straight away. A few months into my IVA I upgraded to a Smilemore account with no problems. It has been a great account for me. However I notice my debit card is renewed anually now whereas the original card lasted 3 years. Think they know about my IVA now.
They did turn me down for a ISA account though. Went to NS&I instead.
Final payment made Dec 2011.
Certificate of Completion arrived 26th Sept 2012
I phoned them today to see if the account number was ready (early I know!) the lady said the status is still aproved subject to banking checks. So hopefuly if I phone tomorrow they will have my accoutn number! aghhh won't be able to sleep properly until I know the bank account is up and running! crazy!
My partner is opening one with Citibank, has anyone used them before? the process seems a bit long!
