Can't even open a proper bank account - fed up with debt

pollypocket

Hiya gonnadoit - I have been getting emails for a couple of years from MSE and only this week started reading the forums and posting on here. I have got to say that the advice given on here is second to none!
This time last week I was feeling pretty lousy also but after reading a variety of postings realised that sorting my debt is manageable as long as I am honest to myself!
I suggest spending some time reading through a selection of these postings and you will find pointers in the right direction!
The main thing that I am doing at the mo is getting a true picture of my debts - amounts outstanding, APRs, credit limits, terms etc. Its a bit scary when you see it all down on paper but you need to do it to see where you can make changes. One of my credit cards had a limit of £10,000(only on writing all debts down together that I realised!!) - no wonder I couldnt get extra credit - this week been in touch with them to lower the limit - will try in a couple of months for another card at 0% (been knocked back loads recently!)
Looks like we are setting off trying to sort our debts out at the same time mate -- Really wish you well!!!!!
Pol

CTT_2

I recently applied for a Smile bank account and was accepted. However in the small print it did state we may send you a Visa debit card or an Electron card. I did receive the Visa debit card but why is there so much stigna attached to the Electron card. Is it because they feel you are less credit worthy or are just some banks just issuing these in preference to the Visa card.

pennylane99

Many places online wont accept the Electron card as they say "you have to be there in person to use it"....The Halifax used to do the Solo card, which was a lot better. Then they changed to Electron, now you cant use it to book rail tickets, coach tickets, and I used to pay my gas/electric online....but cant with the Electron.

stellagypsy

I had an electron card for years and didn't find it too restricting - if I paid online for anything I ticked the "visa delta" option and 99 times out of 100 it was accepted.

However at work we take some payments for our service over the phone and we can't take electron as you have to be present with the card - it is to do with the banking machine we process the payments on, not the card - if you turn up at teh office with your card we can take the payment! Daft, eh?

Stella

the*dark*one

Just in case anyone is thinking of getting that pay-as-you-go credit card, I thought it was worth mentioning that you have to pay a monthly fee of £4.95.

http://www.mycashplus.co.uk/pdfs/CashPlus-TermsCond.pdf

moggins

Not much to add to the brilliant advice given here. I just want to add ecouragement and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. 6 years ago we were on the verge of losing our house, today I have just card tarted for my husband again, we have all sorts of people wanting to throw money (debt) at us and although we are now old enough and wise enough to shop wisely and well it is comforting to know that we are considered 'worthy' again.

Gonna_Do_It

I may be being dense but what is card tarted?!!

moggins

Sorry, card tarting is when you come to the end of 0% on one credit card and switch to another with 0% so you never end up paying interest charges

6 years ago I never thought we would have a credit card let alone the option to chop and change them