I have a step account with Natwest and had no problems opening a savings account or an ISA with them. They were more than aware of the IVA at the time. The branch that I use have been nothing but helpful and discrete (in terms of the IVA).
I had no problems with opening accounts with Co-op (I have just opened an ISA, without any questions). Personally, I couldn't use NatWest as they had been a creditor, but good to hear they are approachable for those wishing to use them.
I would also recommend a savings account with NS&I, again no problems with the IVA and easy to use.
I to have had the same problem with Co-Op. I requested a cash minder account about a year ago and they declined me, stating I was not truthful on my application form. I wrote in and they refused to give me any more information. I did a credit report and noticed that I had another address on my credit file. This was a work appartment I used for a week to receive some mail from one of my credi cards when i wasn't in an IVA.
Anyway - I wrote in again stating that fact and they turned the decision around and approved me.
I opened an ISA account in which I can put my left overs into, but also wanted a savings account to budget for other funding. Again, they declined me stating i failed the credit check. However, I wrote in complaining that it was totally unfair and used the TCF rules from the FSA (treating customers fairly). Sure enough a week later I noticed that they had opened a savings account which was linked on my online banking a letter stating that on this occasion they would open one up for me.
Its also worth noting that you can open more than one cash minder account, they were happy for me to do that too.
Its worth fighting these big firms. Whilst they all played a part in helping you get into this mess, (and of course I have myself to blame too) they should be willing to help build up a new history.
Write into them and ask them to be human, it worked for me! and I think the Co-Op are great. I know I will never bank elsewhere even when I'm debt free.
If you're not on the electoral roll, the Co-op are more likely to refuse to take you on.
It is worth fighting your corner though.
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
