www.iva.co.uk

Does anyone else feel like I do at the moment. I have an account with a bank have had it for for years. They issued me originally with a cheque card, I wasn't bothered at the beginning as it wasnt my main bank account, but now it is. I wrote to them and asked if I could possibly have a debit card instead as its easier to manage, pay bills etc, but I got a compliment slip with a message so no, not even a letter explaining why. Then a letter saying they were doing away with cheque cards and I would be issued with just a cash card and if I didnt like the amendment to the account I could close it. I know I have an IVA but receiving a letter like that made me feel worthless. Prior to this I was never in debt in my life, but ended up with an IVA through no fault of my own. Is it just me but does any one feel when you speak to people and they know you have an IVA they like to make you feel small

Which bank are you with?

It does happen that some companies think you are a big risk, but we know that we're not and can hold our head up high for doing something about our debts.

My mortgage company decided that we were bankrupt! I had to write to them to tell them otherwise!

This is so stupid since with a debit card you can only spend your own money! A cheque card guarantees cheques even when there is no money in the account and the bank is ultimately liable.

Thats what I put in my letter to Nationwide. I didnt ask for an overdraft or anything else, just something to be able to use when I go shopping instead of carrying cash with me. I just felt that the way in which my request for a debit card was handled by Nationwide was wrong, as if I wasnt a valued customer, which I feel I am, they just made me feel like nothing, which actually upset me I believe whether or not I have an IVA I deserve respect and at the moment I am receiving the opposite.
My husband and I have our IVA since end of March 2009 we now have just under 5 years to go and the last couple of months has really got to me

You should not be treated like this and perhaps should consider complaining to their head office. Alternatively, you could try and get a Cashminder account with the Co-Op which is highly recommended on this site and gives you a VISA debit card.

Banks can be so shortsighted because when your IVA is over you will be debt free and in a position to save. You may look to buy or move house and also most children follow their parents when they open bank accounts.

Don't be hard on yourself as you have done nothing wrong.

Nationwide were a pain with me and even though my credit record was fine at the time I applied for an account, I was refused a full one.

The good news is that they are issuing maestro cards (I think) rather than cashpoint cards for the basic account as from this month.

Have you thought of trying to change your account to something like the the Co-op?

I do have to say though Michael that if you use a debit card in store they will usually let it go through. This has happened to me recently with our Barclays account and I have had to pay money in straight away to cover the difference. Thankfully we have not been charged.

I'm surprised at Nationwide to be honest. They are upgrading their basic account to have a debit card - it might be worth mentioning that to them as well.

The last letter I received from Nationwide they confirmed that are going to stop issuing cheque books and as i have a cheque card, I only use it as a cash card, as number one I do not have a cheque book and most places will not take cheques now so seems pretty pointless issuing cheque cards, as they cant be used in shops without cheques. The only option they are going to give me is a cash card nothing more.
Can I ask a couple of people have mentioned the co-op, do they accept new accounts for people with IVA's as if they do I will apply for a bank account them

Hi, I was with Barclays but had to change a they were part of my IVA. I went to Natwest and got s Step account. Initially I had a Solo debit card but they have now changed to Visa. I have had no problem with them and they were lovely to me when I explained I was doing an IVA. Hold your head high.
I was in Tescos last week and te woman in front of me had her credit card refused. She tried another but, again, refused, so she had to give some things back.

kallis3 wrote:

Nationwide were a pain with me and even though my credit record was fine at the time I applied for an account, I was refused a full one.

Yep, us to. We applied for one a few weeks back when we had our light bulb moment that we couldn't go on like it anymore, they declined our application even though at that point we had an ok credit score (a few late payments but none missed). We went with co-op, even though they have been slow getting the bits out we are almost there now.

MaggieKate, I can empathise. I understand IVA's may be seen as a risk, but its no excuse for poor customer service. Just file the incident in a folder in your mind marked 'you'll keep' and crack on with the IVA, once you are debt free you can walk into Nationwide and ask to remove your money and promptly pop it into another!!

Unfortunately, Nat West was part of our IVA so I cant go there. I thought Building Society's were supposed to be more personal than banks, but I feel Nationwide shows no assistance at all.

I think I am just feeling sorry for myself at the moment I apologise to everyone reading

No need to apologise at all. We all have these moments before and during an IVA.

That's what this forum is all about - advice and, most importantly, support.

This is so good being able to be in contact with real people who have or are going through an IVA the support is second to none. I have fantastic children who are there for me but they dont really understand not really. The are all adults and they try but they dont not really.

Its good know someone is listening.

We're always here for you.

To answer your earlier question, the Co-Op are fantastic and I can thoroughly recommend them. Give them a call on 08457 212 212, press the # key and ask them to help you open a Cashminder account, you won't go far wrong.

Regards.