May I join you please?

WickedWitch123

Hi there

I've been taking advice from Stepchange and have finally accepted that bankcruptcy is the best (and only) option for me. I'm now doing lots of reading, mainly on this wonderful site around what I need to do now.

I just wanted to say "Hi" and hopefully i'll get to know you lovely people on here over the coming months and probably years:).

I do have a quick question if that's ok. I've been advised by Stepchange to open a basic bank account so i have an appointment with Barclays on Saturday. This is mainly because i'm maxing my overdraft every month and this will eventually become included within my bankcruptcy. What do you say when they ask "why do you want to open an account"? I just don't want to say the wrong thing.

Hope its not a daft question

WW

samurai1

They usually have a pretty good idea why your opening a "basic" bank account, I opened mine with the co-op in 2012. was not an issue the lady at the bank asked if it was because of bankruptcy, she said 99% of people who opened these accounts did so for the same reason.
Cannot see it being an problem.

Helpmeoutofthismess

Hi, the lady at barclays didn't bat an eyelid when I said I was in talks with stepchange to resolve my debt problems. They opened my cash card account on the spot, she didn't even mention the 3 defaulted barclaycard accounts that popped up! I felt so embarrassed but she did her best to put me at ease!

You don't have to mention bankruptcy if you don't want to, until you have actually gone to court it is just something that 'might' happen.

It's a shame but barclays don't currently allow bankrupts to have internet access :sad: if that us something that would be very difficult for you, you might want to consider the cashminder account from co op. Co op are not so bankrupt friendly these days so don't mention it when you open the account. It's possible they will close your account if you go bankrupt soon after opening but there is always barclays in case that happens.

Good luck with your next steps and we are here for any questions that pop up!

H x

TheGardener

I opened my basic acc before BR and no one even asked why I wanted one. Although I initially found the lack of internet banking a nightmare - it soon became apparent after BR that as I no longer had to frantically juggle payments in the dead of night, robbing Peter to pay Paul with all my debts and trying to beat the payment deadlines, within a few weeks it stopped being an issue. You can get weekly paper statements but you have to ask for them and you can get text alerts (there is a bit of a time lag on them but better than nothing)

WickedWitch123

Thank you all for your replies. I hadn't realised you don't get internet access. I've been struggling with debts for 5 years so I can check my account on line several times a day (and at night sometimes), but in a way it'll be good to break that habit after BR.

I have to stop thinking that i'm the only one going through this - as if i'm going to be the first person going to Barclays and asking for a basic account. Its how i feel sometimes though that i'm the only one facing this and everyone else is doing fine.

Another question is around my tenancy. My tenancy agreement doesn't say anything about BR so Stepchange said that the OR probably won't contact my LL. Is there any reason why he WOULD contact him if its not mentioned in the tenancy agreement? I've lived her for 3 years with no issues but he's such a nervous landlord I'm pretty sure he wouldn't let us stay.:(

I'm so nervous about all this - i know its the best thing for me but i'm really anxious about the process. I just want to get it done and move on as much as I can.

WW

macbabypam

I opened a basic Barclays Bank account with Barclays and BR was no problem. Personally, I wouldn't say anything to your landlord until you are actually BR.

As long as you have checked your agreement that BR is not a condition thst will terminate your tenancy, then it has nothing to do with them as ling as you keep up with your rent.

After you petition at court for your BR, the OR will contact you shortly after. Double check with the OR if they need to contact your landlord, if they do, give him the heads up and then at least it doesn't come as a surprise. As long as you are not in arrears it shouldn't be an issue for the OR, they deal with your debts and assets.

Worcsman

Hey, you're in good company! We have all got different stories, I went from boom to bust in next to no time. I am nearly 5 years in now and life is good and getting better. To be honest, going BR for me at least was a relief. A huge burden had been lifted. I was and still am married. We got through it, so will you. Good luck although you wont need it. There are downsides though but none as bad as being in debt that can't be met.

montymud

Welcome I went BR this past Decemeber so still very new to it myself. Barclays were brilliant - I sing their praises from the rooftop.

As mentioned, just inform the OR of the tenancy agreement and go from there.

I hope that everything goes okay and you don't find the process too stressful

WickedWitch123

Thank you all very much - i knew i'd be in good company :beer:

longtermplanner

WickedWitch123 wrote: »

What do you say when they ask "why do you want to open an account"?

reply that you want a simple bank account with no overdraft as you feel it will help you to budget better.

Which it will!

Helpmeoutofthismess

Hi there ww123,

How did you get on at barclays?

H x