www.iva.co.uk

I need to find a basic bank account, as I am starting the IVA process.

Few questions (if I may)

I need to move away from lloyds (as I have a loan with them) can I go to any other bank? (in particular if, say, I went to barclays bank would barclaycard have any call on my funds - or are they different companies?)

Does anyone know of an account that I can set up on line? (as I'm currently working all the hours god sends to try and stay afloat - so a stroll down the high street is difficult)

hope someone can help, Kaz

I set up my Natwest Step Account and Smile banking account online. I'm sorry can't help with which bank is connected to who but someone will be along very soon that does know I'm sure of that.

Hi there

I don't know if Barclays would conflict with a Barclaycard debt, but I would avoid if in doubt.

Why not try the Co op or co op smile as these can be set up online.

Stay away from HSBC if you are thinking of looking at iva's as they regularly close down the accounts of people in iva's (this includes first direct)

Good luck
Emma

Thanks for the replies so far (and I'd welcome any others of course)

I've just had a (very) quick look at smile - but I'm not sure if they do their basic account on line (unless they give it a different name)

I don't think you can set up cashminder with the co-op online, think you have to go into the branch. I know I applied online with co-op and was refused, turned out it was their current account!!!!!
Yorkshire bank apparently do a good basic acc and again you have to apply in branch.

As this is a major factor in the process of getting people to where they need to be, I conducted an experiment last week whereby I rang the Co-Op on 08457 212 212 and spoke to them re a Cashminder account. Despite much hilarity when I was asked for my occupation, I cannot fault the level of customer service and the whole process took roughly 10 minutes, I was approved there and then so I am now the proud owner of a Cashminder account.
I would not like to recommend one bank over another but I think it is fair to share experiences where you have received good customer service so I am happy to suggest that a Cashminder is a good place to start.

Hope this helps.

yes size5, in branch and over the phone, the co-op's customer service is very good. No complaints from me and I'm very picky about customer service......
xx

I applied for the Natwest Step account first and was approved for this, however, found it so difficult without a cheque book (child at school), I thought I'd apply for the Smile account which was also approved. The Smile account does carry a cheque book and has a £500 overdraft, once approved I sent a secure message via their site to have the overdraft removed, the confirmation the overdraft had been removed I printed and sent to my IP, who has no problem with me having the Smile account. I now run two account, the Natwest is my day to dat account, whereby I pay all my standing orders/direct debits and the Smile Account holds the contingency money and any savings we can make over the month.

You guys are great - anyone know if the coop cashminder account can be accessed/managed on line?

You have to apply for the Co-op Cashminder on the phone or in a branch, but once it is set up you will have internet and telephone banking.

yeah, the cashminder uses online banking. There's a freephone number to ring and you set up security details and you can access straight away. It's also 24hrs-some banks 'close' over night. Easy to pay into c/minder as you can deposit cash or cheques in any post office, cash clears straight away, cheques subject to clearance as usual, you can withdraw over the counter aswell. As I've already said, if you do need to phone us they are very helpful and knowledgable so that's got to be another box ticked.....
xx

I've had better service on the phone from the Co-op than I ever had from my previous banks in the branch! They also did very well in a customer service survey on Watchdog a little while ago. I can't remember if they came top, but they were very near the top.

ive read all the replys and was wondering is there any account they will do over the internet and post to set up or is it all phones and attending branches sorry for asking again

I think to apply for a basic account you will have to phone or go in the branch. I have only seen standard current accounts that you can apply online for.

i opened co-op cashminder account yesterday in prep for iva and explained the situation it took about ten minutes over the phone and the girl was lovely and got accepted straight away and details of account and ID required came this morning in the post -- all very quick.