Need new Bank Account but which Bank?

Queenbelbake

Can anyone help? I need to open a new bank account before I start my own DMP as I have mortgage and credit card with my bank at the moment but I dont know which bank to approach. Any ideas? What do I need to open account? Havent opened a new account for about 15 years so not sure of procedure?

Numpty_Monkey

You need to open an account with a bank that is linked to your creditors

The Co-op aren't linked to anyone I think

These might be useful to look at
http://www.stoozing.com/cards.php
http://www.payplan.com/debt-library/miscellaneous.php

CommitedToChange

I'm sure people suggest the co-op, I'm going in tomorrow to open an account so I hope so. I think you need photo id and proof of address - maybe a utility bill or two.

Queenbelbake

I didnt know that the co-op did banking. We havent got one in our town. I have heard that Barclays are quite good but are they attached to barclaycard? If so that would be no good as they are one of our creditors. Can you apply on-line to co-op?

Need_help_4

Def go for The co-op, i went to them when i signed my dmp, the account can be opened online. ID required will be a valid passport or driving license and a utility bill dated within the last 6 mths.

suze72

I opened a cashminder account with co-op over the phone it was very easy. If you don't have a branch near you then you can make transactions in the post office.

Pink-Angel

I've heard the Co-op is very good, but as I didn't have a local branch, I opted for a simple account NatWest. I work full time so wouldn't have time to queue all lunchtime in the Post Office, so for me the Co-op option wouldn't work. Opening an account was easier than I thought it would be. You need ID like a passport of photocard driving licence, plus proof of address, such as a utility bill. Whichever you go for, do ensure the bank isn't part of the same banking group as the one where you have debts. (Co-op are now connected with Britannia I think, so if you have debts there Co-op might not be the best option.)

Poor_Churchmouse

Another vote for the Co-op Cashminder here. My wife and I opened it about a year ago when we could see things were starting to unwind. At the moment we just get our child tax credits etc paid into it but that will change You get a debit card with it too so you can continue to live as normal.
Just one thing, be honest about why you want a basic bank account otherwise they'll try and steer you towards a 'normal' account. After a few minutes of stammering over the questions about why we needed a Cashminder account we came clean and they were great, really polite and friendly.

dudley3012

I whole heartedly agree. I opened a cashminder with e co-op last May and it wa sthe best move. The account was opened over the phone and they could verify my ID and it was approved straight away.
We do not have a branch but you can use the Post Office nad counter services at Natwest.
You get a Visa Debit card nad the only time I have not been able to use it is at pay at pump in pertols stations,
Good luck

Queenbelbake

Thank you for all your replies! I really appreciated it. I have opened a o-op cashminder account today with no problems (just waiting for all the paperwork). I would never of hought of them if it hadn't been for all your advice. Just need to try and get everything sorted before letting my bank know whats happening (have a credit card, mortgage and overdraft with them so need to think on my feet.
Thanks again