Opening a New Account ~ New PayPlan Customer

Sam_Spends_Too_Much

I've just signed up with PayPlan, after many months with head in sand, and they have recommended that I open a new bank account. My current account is with Barclays, and as I have an overdraft, Barclaycard debt and Masterloan debt with them, they are able to freeze my account and recover their money - should they wish to do so.

Does anyone have experience of this?? I really don't need the hassle of having to move all my direct debits and wage payments, but on the flipside, I can do without having my account frozen.

Also, when I tried to open an alternative current account last year, I got turned down by the Halifax and only offered a basic account with the Woolwich (which is no good now as its a Barclays owned bank). Are there any banks that would offer me an account with my iffy history. I have no CCJs or anything like that, just records of reduced payments to creditors.

I obviously don't want an overdraft or anything like that, just an debit card and possibly a cheque book.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. I think there is finally light, all be it far off, at the end of my tunnel.

System

Sam

I have a spreadsheet. That is on the justabank site. PM me your email address and I'll send you it. Be quick though!

Lenny

aimme13

hi, i have been with payplan for 2 years......like you i had a barclays account with overdraft and a loan with them. You do have to move your accont especially as your wages are going in to that account. I move to HSBC and got a basic account, after a year they changed it to a normal account as they just looked at my history with them, however i can not get an overdraft (dont want one anyway!!)

Sugar_Coated_Owl

When I first went on my DMP (which is now cancelled) they advised me to open another bank account whom I would have no debts with. The DMP advisor made it pretty clear that I wouldn't be able to open another current account because of my poor credit history. They advised me to get the most basic account available that requires no credit check. I opened a Step Account with Natwest. They offer a debit card facility (solo) but no cheque book. The cashminder account with the Co-operative is another basic bank account, although I'm not sure what you get with this particular account.

System

Sam

Ive sent it. BTW it also details what services each account type offers.

Lenny

Sam_Spends_Too_Much

Having not had to do it before, how easy is it going to be to change all my direct debits?? I don't want them being taken from the account that has no money in and thus incurring charges, neither do I want them not being paid as that means they'll build up. I'm guessing that on a basic account, my new bank won't handle the transfer for me.

As I already have a current account with Abbey National (which is in my name solely and I don't really want to make joint) would it be any easier to open another current account there??

Sam_Spends_Too_Much

Just been looking at one of NatWests basic accounts. Offers a Solo card. Is that like an Electron card?? Is it accepted everywhere?? Including online?? I know my Woolwich Electron card isn't accepted on some internet sites.