Bank accounts whilst bankcrupt

dimples_2

Hi there
Just want some advice my hubby and I are in a joint IVA. We don't know how things are going to go and feel there may be a better solution for us going BC instead.
BUT our major concern is opening a basic account. The ones I see mentioned and recommended are Nationwide, Barclays and Co-Operative. The problem is we have debts with all 3 companies and so they would be included in our BC.
Is there any other bank that would take us on???
We need accounts for hubbys salary and for my daughters benefit and my carers allowance to paid in to. We'd also need an account with direct debit and standing orders.

I'm really worried we won't be able to get an account if we decide or are forced to declare BC.

Any advice or recommendations greatly received!

sgx.saint

Here a link to the FSA website with a breakdown of some of the major basic bank accounts. It may help .....

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer/02_HOW/basic_bank/accounts.html

badlyoverdrawnboy

The Post Office have a basic account too. Good luck. BR isn't as bad as you may think but its a big step. Take advice first

MCBIRNIE25

The post office acocunt doesn't allow standing orders or direcr cebits.
Bankrupts are still allowed to open a basic bank account to meet their needs.

Good Luck.

davek1

try natwest step account. i have one its good and allows dd, so etc.

sgx.saint

try natwest step account. i have one its good and allows dd, so etc.

Yes, I too have a Step Account as one of my accounts, and I can also recommend it.

However, I don't think you can open one if you are currently an undischarged bankrupt. Well at least, not according to the FSA website.

fatbelly

Who are you with at the moment? If it isn't overdrawn and you have essential income paid into it, then the decision on whether to freeze it rests with the bank (OR will declare no interest in it).

You could make enquiries anonymously on how your branch treats accounts in these circumstances. My local LTSB, for instance, says it 'follows the OR', so if the OR doesn't freeze it, neither will they.

madduck

Another possible bank to consider is Bank of Scotland/Halifax. I opened a basic account with them a couple of years ago when I started on a DMP. At the time it was very basic - ie just a cash card, able to pay standing orders/direct debits. Just been advised though that the account will be enhanced shortly to include the facility of VISA Electron.

sandralovescats

The other b/a recommended is Alliance & Leicester

up_the_creek_5

I have recently opened a ready cash a/c with Yorkshire Bank. This a/c also provides a full Maestro debit card which can be used at any link ATM, telephone banking, & internet banking. However, you do have to make an appointement & actually go into a branch to open one.

With regards bankruptcy i was told this is at the branch manager's discretion but if the a/c had been operated ok this should not be a problem.

bluezone

Hi as soon as I became bankrupt I wanted to know where to go. I applied online with Natwest for their step a/c and was accepted. It allows you to have a solo card (which most places accept now, even online) no cheque book but does allow DD and standing orders.