No bank account?

mouseymousey99

Hello,
Looking for some advice please....
I would like to reclaim my bank charges, if I do so I think my bank will close the account.
How do I get my benefits paid into a post office account - and can I swop my direct debits over to it?
Many thanks

welshcakes

There are quite a few banks that offer a basic bank account for people who have bad credit history, unemployed etc so the Post Office isn't the only option. Having said that, the PO is very convenient for benefits as many are within superstores such as Asda.

If memory serves me, TSB and Natwest are among those that accept benefits applications and whilst you only get a cashcard (ie no debit card or cheque book) you can transfer all direct debits etc from existing bank.

I would recommend you set up one of these accounts as soon as possible as I too am reclaiming charges and expect to have my bank account closed.

mouseymousey99

Many thanks Welshcakes - so unfair isn't it I am paying an overdraft to cover bank charges then their is interest on top of that - On DLA & IS I am never going to be able to do this - then I saw the light!!!

krisskross

i should get yourself over to the Debt Free Wanabee board. There is tons of advice and information about claiming back your bank charges there.And advice about opening what is known as a parachute account.

edit: Sorry I misled you. there is a whole board specifically devoted to the bank charges issue.

Edinburghlass_2

krisskross wrote:

i should get yourself over to the Debt Free Wanabee board. There is tons of advice and information about claiming back your bank charges there.And advice about opening what is known as a parachute account.

edit: Sorry I misled you. there is a whole board specifically devoted to the bank charges issue.

Glad you've noticed us

Actually the opening of new accounts belongs on the Budgeting and Current Accounts Board and I'm going to spend a bit of time this w/end sorting out the threads there about getting a basic bank account and will link to it in the Reclaim Bank Charges Board.

mouseymousey99

Hi Krisskross - thanks yes I started off thinking it should be there, then I thought well I cant be the only one!! As you can see I tried to edit it too..the reclaim board is another ton of useful information. I've got x4 boards on my favourites now & seem to read nothing else. The OS board is terrific too.I've been looking for this information & advice for ages - the most useful stuff on the net.

dblue75

For a PO account you would have to request a PID ( personal invitation document ) from the DWP . You then take that to the PO and they request your account for you . A word of warning , you cannot do direct debits etc... with a PO account . Also PO accounts are gointo be phased out within a year . Everyone will have to change to a basic current account that a lot of banks are now offering . So that would be you best bet .

Peteypops_2

Hi there,
I'm sorry to post this thread to your thread but I am new to this forum but somehow cannot manage to fing exactly where I can post a new thread. Am I stupid or what? I write threads to other forums with no problem. Can I please ask my question?
I have lived in France for five years and have a First Direct Account in the U.K. having been with them for many year...when they were Midland Bank. If I write to claim back unfair charges they could cancel my account and I would be scuppered because not being a U.K. resident, even though I will be returning in two years, I cannot open a new British account or get a bank loan or take out a new credit card. I think it is something to do with money laundering. I pay U.K. tax on my pension but that makes no difference. Can you help.

Many thanks, Matchless.