First Step Taken

[MelanieGiles]

Which Credit Union was that Ginger as a matter of interest?

I also had a client recently who opened up an account with Metro Bank which looked quite good, but they only have branches in London.

[ginger3232]

There very much local - up its tends to be Glasgow but i know if you type "Credit unions+bankaccount" in google it will come up with association of unions add your postcode for the area in which you live and it will list the unions

Some of them will only accept you if you live in the area of that union.

Its just another option to banking. just wondering if you have come across them.

[MelanieGiles]

I have a lot to do with them actually - especially in my practice in Northern Ireland where they are very popular.

[susieq73]

I think I will try Lloyds TSB and if no luck then Natwest, only because there are branches near me. As far as I can tell, they are not affliated to any of my creditors. Its quite difficult trying to find people not related to your creditors when a lot of companies are inter twined! Creditors include Egg, M&S, Next, Additions/Very, Capital one.
Also, do I need to mention that I might be entering into an IVA when going to open one?
Thanks.

[kallis3]

If they ask you if you are in an IVA then you can say no. If they ask if you are going to get one then you will have to say yes.

Otherwise I wouldn't mention it.

You do only need the Post Office for the Co-op though you don't have to have a branch nearby.

[salkitten15]

Hi Susie,

I also am with the Natwest and have their basic Step bank account.
I was with my previous bank for 20+ years, I understand what a pain it is having to change everything over etc, but it really was a smooth process for me with the Natwest.

They did ask me if I was in an IVA and I was honest with them, but for me their was no problem with that.


Good luck with whoever you choose

[kallis3]

It is one of the recommended accounts. I know Lesley has one and is more than happy with it.

[Broke of London]

Hi - the iva question didn't come up when I opened my account. They asked why i wanted to change accounts and I told the girl that I wanted a fresh start so I could pay off my overdraft on my account monthly and HSBC had refused a rolling programme of monthly limit reductions. All true if not quite the whole truth!

[kallis3]

HSBC are to be avoided at all costs!

[susieq73]

Thanks all - i'll try Lloyds tomorrow and if not luck, Halifax, then Natwest.
Such a stressful time!

[kallis3]

Let us know how you get on Susie.

[ginger3232]

Susieq- Thats wht it is earier to get the bank account sorted ASAP. - headache by the end of the day

Depends where you are in the country - but Clydesdale/Yorkshire Bank offer basic current accounts (readycash) part of Austrian Bannking Group. Even if you have branch at a bit of a distant - you can The Post offfices for cash/deposits. As well as the online Banking facilities

[Broke of London]

Hi - I should have been clearer. HSBC were my pre-iva bank and i couldn't have been more delighted to default on them! As helpful as a chocolate teapot when I started having difficulties. Lloyds are lovely bunnies! x

[susieq73]

Thanks Ginger, Clydesdale are one of my creditors so hence looking at others
Just we well I have a job I can just disappear from for a few hours if I need to.
x

[kallis3]

BOL - HSBC were the same with us as well.