Basic bank account

[Locko]

Hi all can anyone help me please. I currently bank with barclays and payplan are pulling together an IVA pack for me and I need to open an open basic account. Any ideas where also do I need to let the new bank know I am going through an IVA. Any thoughts would be appreciate. [:D]

[Skippy]

If they aren't one of your creditors I would definitely recommend the Co-op Cashminder account. It's a basic bank account but you get a Visa Electron debit card. You need to apply either in person in a branch or on the phone.

[Shining]

I have the Natwest Step account and I am more than happy with this.

[Locko]

Thanks for this advice I really appreciate it as its all new to me at the moment and I am worried sick and stressed out which isnt new!!!

[kallis3]

I have the Nationwide Flex Account with just a cash card. That works ok for me

[Octavia]

I really sympathise.....; I don't think I will ever forget the horrendous stress and worry when trying to open a basic account.....it's just another reminder - as if any of us needed it! - of our "situation"...What really got me down was when I was actually declined by the Co-op - I really believed at that moment I would never be able to find one! [:(] But I did - with NatWest and it was all VERY straightforward; the relief I felt once the account was up and running was just unbelievable![:)]

The whole process really is extremely stressful - from actually deciding finally that this is the only route to go, deciding which Company to use, the whole setting up phase and then coming to terms with the seriousness of it all and seeing your name on the Register - not nice, but the initial shock, shame, embarrasment reallly does fade believe me. I am 5 months into my IVA now and I would say I have definitely got used to it now; obviously I wish I could have avoided it but I am where I am and getting on with it - as we all are on here!! [:D]

[Shining]

Great post Octavia and I've been re-jigging some finances today as daughter needs £50 to go to Belgium in July (final payment of £170), for one moment I thought 'oh goodness if only I weren' in IVA' but thinking about it after that I would have got it from credit card or overdraft and paid it, so technically it wouldn't have been my money! I've written the cheque now and jiggled the money enough for it to be in the account. I feel very positive today as I know in 56 months, all our money will be ours and boy is it going to stay that way.

Good luck with finding your bank account Locko, the thought of setting it up etc., is not nice but to be honest, it's not that bad and won't take long to be up and running. x

[Locko]

Thanks everyone for the advise had a horrible 6 months as lost my dad suddenly in November, husband had the threat of redundancy but got redployed but on about 1500 less a year and the stress of all this, feel like running away!!!

[facingittogether]

hi locko

i too would recommend the co op bank if they are not one of your creditors!

am so sorry that you are feeling stressed at the moment, and so sorry to hear about you losing your dad - sending you a big hug!

hopefully when your iva is set up it will take a lot of stress off you! take one step at a time and you will get there

love barb x

[may07]

I have a "step" account with Natwest. I can pay standing orders and direct debits- I have a solo card with which I can pay for shopping, draw cash from a hole in the wall but I dont have cheques or any overdraft facility. Perfect!

[Locko]

Hi Barb

Thanks for your big hug and kind thoughts, nightmare at the moment but plodding on. It really helps coming on this forum and asking peoples views

Regards

Cathy

[Locko]

Hi All

Just to let you know I think I have been approved for a co-op cashminder account, my husband just needs to apply now

Thanks again for all your advice

Locko

[Viki.W]

That's brilliant locko, well done for getting it sorted so quickly. Took me ages! X