safe bank account

patch10

hi i am new to al this so please bear with me, i currently bank with the halifax, at the moment am managing to keep paying all my bils the two debts i have are a loan which is 14,000 and a creditcard which is 7,000 both foolishly acquired through my own stupidity. at the moment am managing to make payments both of these debts are with the halifax. I spoke to a very kind lady from national debtline who advised me to get a safe bank account as all my wages, tax credits etc get paid into the account with the halifax. I want to keep payments going however if my situation changes then will be unable to. Can any one give me advice on getting a safe bank account I applied to barclays online but have not completed the forms yet wanted to get more advice first. I pay my rent out of the halifax as well. I am having lots of sleepless nights, feel constantly sick thinking about it. Would be grateful for any help or information if possible thanks.

10past6

Hi Patch

Welcome to the forum

A safe bank account will be an account which none of your debts have a relationship.

Nat West do a step account, basic bank account with ATM card, no O/D or cheque book, but it will be sufficient for your needs, you can also apply online.

Once you've opened your new account, arrange to have all your DD set up from the new account, only then give permission for your DMP provider to contact the bank re your financial difficulties.

As a start, click here and complete your SOA (Statement of Affairs) lets see if we can cut your out goings.

If you're thinking of entering into a DMP, look at my signature for further information.

As for sleepless nights, take some comfort, we've all been there regarding debt issues, believe me, it does get easier in time and this forum will give you all the support you need.

patch10

hi thanks for the advice, wil post a soa later, i think the first thing to do is get the bank account with natwest sorted first. I think at the moment i am in a lot better situation than other people, my heart goe out to people with debt as i have got kids and realise how hard things can be. I feel foolish and embaressed but thats just me, again thanks for the advice and will post soa later

10past6

patch10 wrote: »

I feel foolish and embaressed but thats just me

You've nothing to feel foolish or embarrassed about, it's part of the current climate we're under.

Look at the financial institutions getting into difficulties, if they can't manage the books how are we expected to :mad: :mad:

patch10

if i am able to open the account with natwest do i sort out all my direct debits etc myself, ie still keep paying the payments to halifax as at the moment i can pay everything i need to and dont want to not pay if i dont have to , not paying would be a last resort for me thanks debi

10past6

Debi

patch10 wrote: »

if i am able to open the account with natwest do i sort out all my direct debits etc myself

Yes, it would be better for you as you'll remain in control rather than going througha third party.

patch10 wrote: »

ie still keep paying the payments to halifax as at the moment

If you opened an acount today with Nat West, and your DD were due out of your Halifax on 11th of the month, let them go from the Halifax as planned.

5 days after they've gone (I say 5 days that's to make sure they've been recieved by the company collecting the DD) cancel them with the Halifax, re set them up on the same day with Nat West.

Remember to inform those you pay by DD that you've changed your Bank details once you've cancelled your Halifax account.

patch10

would i be better opening the account in person or online it isnt a problem for me either way, personally would prefer to go in to bank and do it there and then debi

10past6

I opened mine online either way I think you may have to wait 24 hours for a decision
(Well I did but that's because my credit rating is crap :eek: :rotfl: )

patch10

at the moment my credit rating is good but this is gonna change:eek: when you applied online did you have to send any bank statements as i generally dont keep mine debi

10past6

patch10 wrote: »

when you applied online did you have to send any bank statements as i generally dont keep mine debi

No, I never sent anything Debi

patch10

thanks for the advice, will let you know how i get on and will post soa later today debi:eek: