Debit Cards - Ex Bankrupt

fairylights_2

I had a visa electron card up till a couple of years ago. I got it when the bank said I was running my account too badly to keep my visa debit card. It was a pain at first because it wasn't taken in a lot of places (apparently it goes straight to your account rather than taking a couple of days to process like regular visa) but to the end it was more and more normal. That was from Barclays, but they might not touch you as a recent bankrupt.

I'm stunned they'll give you a cheque book but not a basic debit card. I've always found cheques less easy to manage than a card!

If it's a case of shopping online, can't you put money into Paypal direct from your bank account? I'm probably wrong, but ....

10mmring

just do yourself a favour read sparkles posts there all along the same line!!

MoaningMyrtle

I have a Solo card and a cheque book ,the Solo card is similar to Electron, becoming more and more acceptable at shops, I just ask before they ring up the items and if not pay cash. The Solo is not a cheque guarantee card so I use cheques for things like childrens's school trips, brownies and small purchases off Ebay where the cheque does not need a guarantee card.

If I want to buy something from an e-tailer I ask borrow my Mother's card and give her the cash (I've only done this twice though).

I am not a bankrupt but this was the action the Bank took and it's been much much better for DH and me.

I know this doesn't help the OP either, I'd like to say that I have stayed away from the boards for a while due to some downright nasty characters here, we're here for mutual support aren't we?

kevker

fairylights wrote:

If it's a case of shopping online, can't you put money into Paypal direct from your bank account? I'm probably wrong, but ....

Fair point, but that's only good if you want to shop on eBay. I was kinda thinking more of sites where you can get cheaper stuff than in shops, such as empiredirect for electronics and stuff like that.

kar

Switch cards CAN get you in a lot of debt - there is £100 gaurentee on them meaning that as long as each spend is under £100 the bank will continue to authorise it even if you are WAY over you OD limit. Don't know about any others as I only have switch.

Solo or visa electron don't work the same (i don't think) - I don't know about the OP bank at all but maybe they would issue him with one of these "pretend" debit cards (i know that's the wrong word but i can't think of the right one) - most online retailers etc are happy to except solo/visa electron nowadays.

At the end of the day the bankruptsy isn't that old. There is always going to be some punishment for having all your debts written off. If they are saying no now - try waiting another 8 months until its 2 years ago and then ask again. Try not only keeping 'within the agreed overdraft' but keeping a positive balance if at all possible. They are more likely to give you a positive answer if you start a savings account with them and put some money in every month. I think they will really want to know that you have changed before issuing more 'freedom' on your account.

slash40

Sparkle - I am not suprised the OP 'seems' to have disappeared off the forum. If i was a new poster, and had genuinely asked for help, and had been greeted by someone as obnoxious and narrow minded as you, i would have 'disappeared'.

Heapy - please ignore these recent postings. The majority of people on the DFW site are helpful, NON-judgemental, and sound people. Unfortunatley you sometimes get posters like Sparkle, who like to start arguments. Please check out the web site provided by one of the more helpful posters, and check out the Co-op too. They seem to have helped quite a few people. Also, check out some of the similar threads. You can use the search facility to help you.
Welcome to the board - and apologies for not receiving the usual friendly greetings.

L

hear, hear

Heapy

Hi, It me again. As you can see, I have NOT disappeared.

I would like to thank the majority of people for the positive input. I will take the views on board and will inform you all of any progress.

I will not rise to any antagonistic coments. Thank you all once again.

Broken_hearted

I hope you don't count me as one of the antagonists, as I try to be as honest as possible.

dmb37

Like Fairylights a few years ago due to the problems running my account with switch, the Halifax changed my card to an electron card ( I rang them up and complained that they sent me a 'Mickey Mouse' card). However, I had a few problems in the begining but after that.....no real problems apart from booking travel, rooms, tickets etc. I am now with the Co-op bank again I have a electron account and no overdraft. I am happy with this arrangement. Everything that is currently in the bank is mine......there is no credit.
I hope you get sorted out soon

Heapy

All I was looking for was constructive advice, not destructive. However I accept everyone is entitled to their opinions, positive or not! I am going to try the co-op bank, but I am reluctant to leave the Clydesdale.

I will see what happens... watch this space!