Compassionate bank?

daxon

I have posted before about a friend of mine who has got problems ! He now knows going bankrupt isn't an option, nor is taking out further loans and I have pursuaded him to see the doc over depression. I have got him to apply for his credit report which we are waiting for but he is going to hit big problems with his bank. In a nutshell....
He has a current joint account with Halifax. His wife said she wants to divorce him. He can't get a single account with Halifax (or any other bank?) because he has a bad credit rating. Once she starts proceedings then the account will likely be frozen so my question on his behalf is this:
Is there any place that is likely to open him an account so that he can have his wage paid into it? If not what on earth can he do?
I posted this in the banking section too but on reflection, I think maybe those on this board may be better qualified to help?
thank you very much in advance and on his behalf.

saubryn

There are lots of banks that do basic bank accounts with either a solo / visa electron or just ATM card - he could get his wages paid into those, but wouldn't get an overdraft or anything.

My husband has a basic account with HSBC, but I've heard much better things about the Co-Op and their basic facilities.

daxon

But I don't think the 'normal' banks will take him with a bad credit rating?

shellyjane

I have a Cashminder account with the Co-op and Its really ok. I have my wages paid into it and have a visa electron card which is almost accepted as widely as the normal visa. However, there is no overdraft facility or cheque book but if he is in debt this is probably a good thing to stop him getting further into debt. All you need is about 4 types of ID to open it and it can take a month to get it sorted so my advice is to get it sorted as soon as possible.

earthmother

All the basic bank accounts are listed on the last page of this pdf - http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/public/bank_account.pdf

Most, if not all, of them should be able to offer some sort of banking facility, however bad his rating.

Slayerx

I replied in your other thread.

Try a Natwest step account its for people with bad credit, it will not have an overdraft or chq book.

keith_lard

http://www.natwest.com/personal02.asp?id=PERSONAL/DAY_TO_DAY/CURRENT_ACCOUNTS/STEP_ACCOUNT

Smashing

I have to say, the title of this thread gave me a giggle. Biggest oxymoron ever.

Best of luck with Natwest.

daxon

Thanks for your suggestions everyone - ringing round for application forms as we speek. He still believes no-one will give him an account so I just have to try to prove him wrong!