IVA Completed. What next?

[Skippy]

Personally I don't intend to change from the Co-op and I would stay with them even if they charged. I like their ethical stance and their customer service is second to none.

For info, I asked about upgrading my Cashminder account (I'm not unhappy with it, I was just curious) and they confirmed that if you have been bankrupt they won't upgrade until the BR has dropped off your credit file. It doesn't worry me as the Cashminder does everything I want it to. I have a full account with Nationwide and I only use it for housekeeping rather than my main account as I found their customer service was poor.

Regarding the Co-op online banking, I'm quite happy with it, although I wish the available balance would update when you use the card. I get round this by putting everything on a spreadsheet so I know the final total is what I've got left in my account down to the last penny.

[james.c]

i dont understand why people pay for bank accounts, even with abbey basic account you can go on line, cash withdrawls, direct debits, standing orders, it seams daft to pay a company so you can have access to your money and information.

This is money for your money

[Adam16]

I find the co-op online banking facilities, there is nothing you can't do other than CHAPs payments, so I am not sure were basic comes into it?

Agree their ethical policy is excellent. I personally would never recommend the natwest, there constant pressure for financial reviews is nothing less than a sales tatic and the advice provided contributed to my level of debt in my opinion. They are very very agressive with bank charges also.

[rhondda]

i am with the co-op and think they are brill,used to be with natwest and they contributed to my debt with their charges and fees for considiltion loans (i think i spelt that wrong sorry)

[kallis3]

I'm quite happy with Nationwide at the moment, it gives me everything I need and I have a no fee pre paid card for internet purchases.

[spottedtree]

Hey. Thanks for the info. Sorry i didn't post again sooner, been internet unable, lol.
I went to see the bank manager at natwest.....
She said that the computer says i'm bankrupt (which is interesting seeing as I was avoiding that with an IVA). I did take my certificate with me, but unfortunately it's printed on plain (un-letterheaded) paper, and she said I could have typed it myself (to which I agreed as it certainly looks like a random document). She said if I apply again for my credit files and take them to her she'll investigate the matter. she said she can't see why i can't be given a current account as i am paid fairly high and have savings so i'm not a majorly bad risk. so now i have to apply again for all my reports and see her again. hopefully it'll be sorted out.
Has anyone else had a problem with their certificate looking like it was printed by a random?

[orchid5]

Hi spotted tree welcome to the forum and well done on reaching what must be one of the biggest achievements in your life. Stick in there and i'm sure you will be able to sort things out, not so sure about this certificate thingy though that sounds a little unsettling and if banks won't accept it as bona fida then who will? hmmmm.

Take care and be safe, good luck you are now debt free, well done.

[kallis3]

Natwest have form for saying you are bankrupt. They and other companies can't seem to figure out the difference between them.

Probably due to the fact that both are on the Insolvency Register.

My mortgage company told us we were bankrupt - it came as a bit of a shock!

[MelanieGiles]

It is time that our banks wised up on these very different procedures.

[james.c]

after trying to sort my credit files out and speaking with banks etc, the industry sees no difference between iva and br

[spottedtree]

Well it's been some time since I replied to this post, but thought i would put an update on here....

I have as yet not been able to upgrade my Natwest Step Account to anything decent. But there has been a change at Natwest that means it's almost pointless me bothering to upgrade.
They have recently introduced Visa Debit cards on their basic bank accounts (previously Solo). My main problem with the Step Account was that Solo is not accepted everywhere (much the same as Visa Electron, that I know a lot of basic accounts come with) and it was becoming very annoying to have to take out mounds of cash to pay for things (especially train tickets which i buy quite a lot as Solo isn't accepted at National Rail stations). Now I can use my card anywhere and have used it abroad (in an emergency) which was also difficult with Solo.
So i'm pretty happy with my account now. I have to admit that the service at Natwest is appalling at best, and wish I could go somewhere else, but in the absence of a bank that welcomes me with open arms, i'll stay with what I have for now.
As for the delights of a bank account with overdrafts and cheque books.... Cheques are almost pointless now except for postal payments (can't say I make many of those) and it's probably best I don't have an overdraft, as i've only been out of my IVA for a year now, and I think baby steps are what's needed.
If having an IVA has taught me anything, it's how to be frugal and now i'm saving money (for the first time in my life) and the idea of owing anyone money (even on a small overdraft) quite frankly scares me.
Well, that's my rant over
Now it's laundry time [:(]
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