www.iva.co.uk

I try and keep my bills seperate from my housekeeping, and I've been using a Nationwide Flexaccount as well as my Co-op Cashminder account. The only problem with the Flexaccount is that it doesn't have a debit card. I read on the BR site this morning that someone has been able to open a second Cashminder account so I thought I'd give them a call and try it myself. I had to go through the application with them, but they have approved the application and I should get the welcome pack through in 7-10 days.

I was quite surprised to be able to open a second account with the CO-op as they won't allow me to open a savings account!

Does seem strange Skip. At least you can build up some savings in the Nationwide one?

I've got a Regular Saver account with Nationwide, so I'm going to try and put some money in that every month as well - I have good intentions but I don't know if it'll work!

That's great Skippy, I still can't get my head around not being able to get a savings account! Crazy!

I know - they seem happy to give me 2 bank accounts, but not a savings account! There's no logic!

I,ve always been confused by this. Correct me if i'm wrong but a savings account is to put your money into save. There are no DD or SO facilties and no cheque book so the financial risk is zero. You will never go overdrawn, it's impossible.

So I don't get the problem? I have in the past been refused savings acccounts one being a cash ISA. Baffles me, really does.

Beats me as well Steve! These financial institutions have some funny ways!

I opened a smart saver with the co op on the phone, I already had a cashminder account. I use it for a contigency fund. I half expected them to say 'please go elsewhere, you red sea credit file, you' or words to that effect but they just did it.

Hmmm, they may as well have said that to me!

Lily, you asked me a while ago if Specsavers credit check for contact lenses - it seems they don't as I've picked up my 3 month's supply and the DD has been set up on my account.

Huuurraaaay, thanks Skip, I will do an appointment then, I so need some new ones, do they take long to come through?

Mine took just over a week to come through. I had to pay a £10 deposit and collect the first 3 months from the store - the next packs will be delivered to home.

hi skippy and everyone
i have just been discussing opening a savings account with hubby
as we have nationwide basic account with cashcard and were wondering who would allow us a savings account for contigency fund mot etc so as to keep hubbys mits off it . think will try co-op cashminder and see how it goes
also with nationwide you can't go into the branch anymore to take money out if its less than £30 so say you've got £17.50 you'd only be able to get £10 from cash point and have to leave the £7 languishing in the bank and believe me sometime's ive needed that £7 i now keep my pennies so can make up to a £10 so i can take £10 out


elldina

I didn't know that Elldina, not that I'm with the nationwide, strange!

Elldina

I went into the branch at the co-op and they were lovely, the cash minder account comes with a debit card so at least you can spend your 7 quid, without worrying about rounding up. Plus internet banking, so its easy to swop money to and from the accounts and its instant.

I have read sometimes here that if you do it over the phone it can get referred or even refused, so my advice is to take your ID and your present bank card and set it up in branch. They are lovely, whatever your circumstances are.

Thank you Skip, I hope youre pleased with yours.