Bank account for discharged bankrupt

nikkistevens

Hi, my husband was discharged from his bankruptcy approx 2 years ago, and so far has not opened another bank account as he hasn't needed one. However, I now think that he should start to rebuild his credit rating but I'm not sure where he should start. When applying for an account does he have to mention the bankruptcy? And will it be refused even though he has been discharged? Are there any good accounts he will be accepted for? Dont mean to sound dim but I really think this needs sorting now!

philnicandamy

try the co-op cashminder account.....they offer a basic account with online banking & an electron card....bankrupt freindly (you can apply over the phone as well)

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206368743,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts

Barclays as well do a basic account...

http://www.personal.barclays.co.uk/BRC1/jsp/brccontrol?task=homefreevi2&value=12866&target=_self&site=pfs (although with this one you need to apply in bank)

You could try another bank BUT with the bankruptcy showing on your credit file for 6yrs he'll probably fail a credit check...if the question ever comes up "have you ever been bankrupt" he will have to answer yes..if nobody asks though you dont have to say a thing

dvs

The Natwest Step Account is a basic bank account. When you apply online it asks whether you have ever been declared bankrupt. If you say yes, it comes up with a screen saying that they cannot process your application as you have declared that you are bankrupt and says that if you have proof of being discharged, you can apply in the branch. You might want to check this with a branch though.

Deep_In_Debt

Unfortuntately, Natwest are not very BR or ex BR friendly, so it's a bit "pot luck" with them. I would avoid them, personally.

Barclays basic account now comes with a full Visa Debit rather than an Electron (but I think you may have a choice) so they may be worth trying.

philnicandamy

Deep_In_Debt wrote: »

Unfortuntately, Natwest are not very BR or ex BR friendly, so it's a bit "pot luck" with them. I would avoid them, personally.

Barclays basic account now comes with a full Visa Debit rather than an Electron (but I think you may have a choice) so they may be worth trying.

Hmm agreed did the same thing myself with a natwest account...applied online got the "ohh we found bankruptcy on your files" offered me to call into a branch with proof of discharge...I did & still turned down & i've been discharged nearly 2yrs :rolleyes:

dvs

philnicandamy wrote: »

Hmm agreed did the same thing myself with a natwest account...applied online got the "ohh we found bankruptcy on your files" offered me to call into a branch with proof of discharge...I did & still turned down & i've been discharged nearly 2yrs :rolleyes:

Interesting. It clearly says on their website to go into the branch with proof of being discharged. I wish they'd just be clear and say they won't offer accounts or if they really can't bear for us not to come into the branch, say 'Once a bankrupt, always a bankrupt but feel free to waste your time by coming into a branch. See what you're missing!'

:mad:

tintinlostsnowy

I personally think that with the way things are going more banks are going to have to start accepting bankrupts as more and more people are going BR in the current climate.
The banks may not want to do this but with more accounts shutting every day they will need customers to operate.

Nomoredebtnow

Yes l agree try natwest and barclays all failed

fiveyearplan

Look at the sticky on the front page of this forum about 'Cleaning up your credit file'. That would be the first place to start to make sure everything is in order and the BR will fall off in 4 more years.

nikkistevens

Thank you everyone, I have an account with Barclays and have always found them pretty good so I think we'll try them.

AllNancy

What about a pre-paid bank account? I applied to both Virgin and Yorkshire Bank and got both. I cut up the Virgin one as there were too many restrictions but the Yorkshire one seems fine. No credit checks. Use it to save for bills.


Nancy