Opening new bank account - advice please!

stickytoffeepudding · 9 August 2006 at 10:07AM

We need to open a new joint account after starting to sort ourselves out with the help of CCCS - had our session yesterday and now waiting for the pack etc.
*STOP PRESS* It's just come through the door!!!!:T
Are we right to look for a joint account? We are planning to embark on a joint DMP and feel this would be the best way to cope with it.
Also I would like a cheque book/card as so many school/kids activities are easier to manage like this.
Which is the best account and how quickly can we open one?

SeeWeed · 9 August 2006 at 10:12AM

Hi

I opened one with Smile (though it's not a basic account so you do get a cheque book and debit card) It took about 10 days to complete and was very easy. Just waiting for my 12 bottles of free wine now :beer:

SW

stickytoffeepudding · 9 August 2006 at 10:23AM

Thanks Seaweed! Sounds good - on the road to debt freedom and tipsy to boot!
I'm just so worried that in the midst of all this something will be forgottten/missed. I only have one standing order to a creditor who will be in the plan so cancelling that will be easy.

kittykat100 · 9 August 2006 at 10:26AM

https://www.firstdirect.com
I can recommend these, they are really nice and when they answer the phone it is none of that press 1, press 2 malarky. The people you speak to are British!! You get an overdraft of £500 free (which I am going to get rid of being a good DFW!). Also they will give you £50 casherooney! for opening an account. They will give you it when you have your first salary paid in.

I am really happy with the service they provided, I had to get mine open quick because Barclayscum took my wages out to pay off my loan leaving my penniless and unable to pay my rent or eat for the month.

Kittyx

laccal · 9 August 2006 at 11:08AM

I used nationwide. Just a basic account but they are not affiliated with anyone (I hope) so no one can grab your money.
i never new so many banks and credit card companies were linked, lucky payplan gave me good advice

regards

stickytoffeepudding · 9 August 2006 at 11:21AM

Thanks to everyone so far! I am feeling very panicky and confused and I'm probably not taking all this in properly!
The DMP is in relation only to our credit/store cards and a couple of personal loans - does any one know whether FirstDirect have any links to Natwest/RBS or Barclaycard?
Or better still is there a list anywhere which explains who is linked to who - probably a bit like a family tree (if not, there's a challenge for someone! That's me all over - full of bright ideas but no idea how to action them!!!)

laccal · 9 August 2006 at 11:34AM

natwest is linked to rbs and ulster bank

barclays are linked with woolwich.

payplan gave me the advice. i have a leaflet from them sent via e mail either speak to them or send personal message to me with your e mail details and i will send it to you

laccal · 9 August 2006 at 11:38AM

found link to leaflet

hope this helps

http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/miscellaneous-basic-bank-accounts.php

Snaggles · 9 August 2006 at 11:45AM

First Direct are part of HSBC group which also includes HFC, Marbles, Marks and Spencer Financial Services.....not sure if there are others?

james32_uk · 9 August 2006 at 1:46PM

If anyone's looking for banks without links Lloyds is one of the best as they're Billie-no-mates and linked with nobody!

Opening new bank account - advice please!

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