First BR Challenge - Bank Account

NewChapter_2

So after going BR on Friday, I now have a lot of empty space in my purse as I have no bank cards! In fact, I currently do not have access to my own bank account now. Quite liberating in a way but also a little scary!

2 weeks ago I applied for a Co-op Cashminder but they have kept me hanging on and hanging on but nothing. I couldn't keep putting off my BR date for them! Also the CCCS told me to forget it as even with the loophole of 'kind of being an existing customer' prior to BR, they wouldn't honour it. I shall keep the ongoing thread about this updated though!

So where's that leave me? Barclays this week I guess. I am dreading going in there and having to explain everything for them to tell me to do one! Worst thing? I used to work for them years ago so dreading it argh!

The CCCS also mentioned my local credit union? Plus apparently some of their clients have had luck with Nationwide?

Has anyone had any success with either of these two?

Thanks

tigerfeet2006

Barclays will be fine. We have had quite a few on the board open an account with them after BR and owing Barclays lots of money.

Your local Credit Union will be fine as well, in fact I would open an account with them regardless and put some savings in there, even if it is only £10 a month. You may find that very useful in the future.

Nationwide are very hit and miss. Generally speaking if you have an account with them already then sometims if it has been well run then they let it continue. But never say never.

I would ring Co-op and find out what is happening. Go into Barclays with your ID and just tell them you want to open their basic Cash Account. Tell them you are BR so this is the account you need. No need to tell them anything else. Open a Credit Union as a matter of course. Depending on the size of the CU you will have different facilities, some only have savings and small loans. Others have banking, DD's, loans, the whole she bang. If you can't get your Co-op or Barclays account then try Nationwide.

PippaGirl_2

NC, did you actually complete the Co-op application? If it's in the system you should be fine. I'm not sure CCCS gave you correct advice there. Might be worth phoning them and chasing them up.

NewChapter_2

Thank you TigerFeet and Pippa for your helpful replies.

I will pop into Barclays and open an account with them, also find out about the local CU.

I will also chase the Co-op to see what they say. Do I now mention that I'm bankrupt when I contact them? The CCCS have been brilliant but I have had some conflicting information about the Co-op account. I think maybe it is because no one is particularly sure!

Thanks again

PippaGirl_2

NC, people who have opened the account pre-BR have been fine with the cashminder accounts even after the changes. We've yet to hear of a single person who hasn't been. I would contact the Co-op first of all, hopefully they will say you will receive everything in the next day or so.

eta I wouldn't mention the BR yet, just say you applied for the account on whatever date and you haven't heard back yet.

NewChapter_2

Guess what landed on my mat this morning?! A welcome pack from the Co-op saying my account is all open and ready to go!

Good advice Pippa about checking, that would have been my next port of call! Hopefully that'll all be ok now and I have a bank account once again!

PippaGirl_2

Thought so. All new cashminder accounts seem to take about 2 weeks to process, but they get there!

mynumber

Hi NC, Great news, now you can get on with your new start

:j K X

NewChapter_2

Thanks mynumber! x

FavDaughter1

a weight off your mind!