Ridiculous!

[Skippy]

I thought I was getting somewhere with getting a savings account - Sainsburys Bank had sent me the forms to sign and return which I did and today a letter arrives telling me I can't have an account unless I supply them with a certificate of discharge from bankruptcy! I phoned them up and a very nice lady told me that they wouldn't accept the printout from the Insolvency Service website unless it was certified by a solicitor - like I can afford that and out of principle I don't see why I should.

The tone of the letter annoyed me - the reason they need to see the original of the discharge certificate is due to money laundering and fraud regulations. I now feel like a criminal!

The lady I spoke to was very nice and told me that a chartered accountant could also sign one, and for a minute I had hope as my boss is a chartered accountant, but they need the address of the firm he works for, company stamp etc and we're not a firm of accountants.

I really don't know what to do now apart from resign myself to the fact I may never have a savings account. I've got esavings accounts with Nationwide, but they're linked to my Flexaccount and I don't use that any more, so I don't know if I'd be able to use them. To be honest I'd rather have one with a cash card anyway.

Sorry for the rant, I'm just feeling a bit fed up - I'm trying to get back on track and no-one wants to help.

[Emily]

I have that account with them you are raving about. They are part of the Royal Bank of Scotland group. I don't see the problem of the applications. If you are in an IVA they want to see an IP letter, if BR they want as you say.

It is a good account and you can pay in at the check out.Go for it......the card looks great not like some cheap looking card from the A and L!

[ianmillington]

If you could get it certified by the Official Receivers Office (assuming the OR will stamp and sign it for you) would they accept that Skippy?

[debtfreesusie67]

Halifax also do an online websaver account and that has a nice card as well.

[Skippy]

Emily, why should I have to pay £60 so that I can have a savings account? Why can't they accept what is on the insolvency register - they can have a look themselves if they don't believe what I print off!

Ian, I don't think they would - they were very clear that it really had to be a solicitor (probably cheaper to pay £60!) or a chartered accountant at a push.

[Skippy]

Tesco were one of my creditors...

[Shining]

Skippy that's awful and don't feel bad, it's not your fault it's their loss they can't save your money for you. All the best and hope you find something real soon. Not much help I know but just don't want you to feel too fed up..it's not worth it xx

[lily]

so sorry Skip.

It really does not seem fair, if you did commit a crime it seems you are treated better than you are when you owed some money to lenders. My son was denied a bank account like my debts were his fault. I have what-do-you call-it??? for him as he is disabled but I did wrtie and challenge this and he was allowed an account. I also challenged the decision when I wanted to open a savings account, which was granted, eventually.

Dont be too fed up, please???? As you have come such a long way, just keep trying and you will suceed. I know these things can make you feel useless and down but you must not let them. Youre as good as anyone else out there.

[Skippy]

I've just rung NS & I and it's looking positive - their only stipulation is that I can provide proof of ID (driving licence, passport), proof of address (bank statement) and that I have a bank account. Once I get paid next month I think I'll try and open an account with them and stuff Sainsburys!

[Skippy]

Thanks everyone, you're so lovely to me!

I know what you mean about being better off committing a crime Lily, it does make you feel like that. It seems as if you make a mistake with money you are never allowed to be rehabilitated, yet if you hurt someone or steal you get all the chances in the world. I'm glad you managed to get an account sorted out for your son - how ridiculous that he couldn't have an account!

[ianmillington]

Rather ironic that they will accept it from a solicitor but not the Government Officer who was in charge of your Bankruptcy. The title of the thread sums it up I think. Still, your more recent posts look more positive.

Ian

[Skippy]

I'm not 100% sure about the OR Ian, but I really be bothered to ring Sainsburys back as they seem to put being BR on the same level as being a fraudster! As soon as I've got £100 (don't laugh!) I'll try and open the NS & I account and let you know how I get on.

If they won't let me open an account I'll buy some Premium Bonds - I bet the banks would be falling over themselves to 'help' if I won £1m!

My sense of humour is now returning - thanks everyone!

[lily]

Well Skip since he isnt able to understnad everything to do with a bank account they wanted me to be something like an appointee. (just in case he committed an offence, like terrorism, money laundering, etc.) Hmmm, been in a special school since the age of two and a half, not sure if he attended the terrists lessons, can never be too sure of these things, can we??? Anyhow, I digress with the stupidity of it all. They wanted to do a credit check on me!!!!!! er, well I told them, your comps will blow up as I explained when I opened my account, I am skinty poos in the extreme, insolvent I think you people call it,bla bla bla. Well they let him have the basic, with electron and internet banking, there is another story there which is even more laughable but I wont go there at this time. Plus they did allow me be the appointee, so your cause isnt lost, me thinks.

[lily]

I would be a bit nervous about keeping cash in the house, just in case of burglers. No one can just take money out of a savings account can they??? If its just a small amount in a jar then fine but I am sure contents insurance wouldnt cover stolen cash.

[Skippy]

One thing I like about NS & I is that as it's backed by the treasury any money is 100% safe. At the moment I'm doing the same as Jane!