co op bank closing account - now what ?

deb13b

Hi guys, could really do with some help asap !

I went bankrupt a few years ago and was discharged 6 months after. The only place I could get an account was with the co-op bank. Lately money probs have meant I have had quite a few returned DDs.

I don't work, but my partner works full-time. I don't get benefits and have recently gone self-employed (trying my hand at selling my crafts, so no money for a long time, I think!)

The co-op have given me notice that they are closing my account in a couple of weeks and I just don't know what to do. I need a bank account. I've had a look through this board and the nationwide seems popular but when I had a look at the account online the nearest ATM is a 35 minute bus ride away !

Not sure where to try. My partner has suggested adding me to his bank account with lloyds, making it a joint account, but I obviously won't pass the credit check. And I would still like my own account anyway.

All I need is to be able to set up DDs and use it at ATMs.

Please can anyone help ? Or am I going to have to go with something like "think money" ?

ColdIron

You might want to check out the Barclays Cash Card account
http://www.barclays.co.uk/Currentaccounts/Keepitsimple/CashCardAccount/P1242557963900

deb13b

ColdIron wrote: »

You might want to check out the Barclays Cash Card account
http://www.barclays.co.uk/Currentaccounts/Keepitsimple/CashCardAccount/P1242557963900

When I went bankrupt a few years back it was barclays I was with, I don't think they'd welcome me back lol !

212

What is the timescale of the returned direct debits? I.e 3 in a week? or more over say 7 or 8 weeks? Have you had any problems with unpaid items in the past (other than this?)

Just asking as you may be able to appeal it. Obviously without knowing the details it's hard to say any more. If the problems were limited to one short period, and you've previously been fine, then they may overturn it.

Must admit I haven't seen an appeal be successful in a while though. I think the Barclays Cash account or Halifax Easycash may well be your best bet

deb13b

It was quite a few in a short space of time, ( I had probs last year too), apparently it is beyond the appeal process.

deb13b

The Halifax one doesn't take anyone who has been bankrupt

Caladan

Basic Bank accounts are available with most if not all high street banks for discharged bankrupts. Most also now offer a Debit card.

I'd refer you to this thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/319736

Hope it helps,
Cal

grumbler

I know, it's too late to ask, but did you not know that you'll get your account closed for bounced DDs? If you did, was it that difficult just to cancel the DDs to save the account?

matttye

deb13b wrote: »

When I went bankrupt a few years back it was barclays I was with, I don't think they'd welcome me back lol !

You'd be surprised.

In my experience companies don't seem to hold grudges.

I've opened an account with a company I previously defaulted with.

deb13b

I didn't realise I wasnt going to have enough in to cover them. My OH switched to a monthly paid job and it all went downhill very quickly.

MoneySaverLog

Nationwide visa debit could be used in any link ATM I believe.