Please can you tell me if Credit Fix are a reputable IVA company? Is it advisable to shop around to see if other IVA companies give a better offer or are they all much of a muchness?
You will not get a "better offer", but you could get better service, or have a better relationship for the 5 or 6 years. An IVA is an IVA, broadly speaking, whoever provides it --- but you are looking at comparing EasyJet to Etihad Airways --- levels of service do vary.
CF have thousands of happy customers and are a 'reputable' company as long as your IVA is straightforward and you keep your hands on the reins. However, we always advise chatting to a few firms to see who you gel with.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
They are a reputable firm.
We completed our IVA with them last year.
As its a big company with lots of people in lots of departments and lots of clients their communication is a little slow to say the least! and left hamd doesnt always know what the right hand is doing but they are a reputable firm.
They have been fine during ours although you do have to have your wits about you and know what your rights are and keep on at them to ensure things run smoothly.
Not sure many other big companies are any better. Closure was very swift compared to others who seem tomwait for months. You can ‘shop around’ but you shouldnt get a better deal in regards to you payment if all your figures and allowances are accounted for and your budget is realistic.
The service you get before you start might be one thing then poor during the running you just wont really know until in it. But I can vouch that CF are an ok firm and probably wont get better from the main players. But definitely talk to others and see how you feel.
One other thing for now... How does it work with your bank? I have a loan with mine which the IVA will cover
I've been told to close mine. So you just close it and open another one? Is there any difficulties associated with that that may impact the start of the IVA process?
If your current bank is a creditor you should have been advised to open a different basic current account with another bank ... avoid HSBC and First Direct, as they are likely to close the account. This is best done before your credit record gets too messy.
Although creditor banks shouldn't do it - this wll avoid the temptation for them to sieze any funds to offset your debt with them, as well as stopping funds being swallowed up to cover any overdraft balance.
Don't close the account you already have, just let it go dormant for now, otherwise you might set off alarm bells too early. Cancel current DDs and SOs etc and re-authorise new ones from the new bank once the new account has been set up. Again, don't use a switching service while you have funds going in and payments going out of the present account.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014