Unable to get a DMP because of work expenses account

rattters

I have been advised by step change that I will not be able to set up a DMP because my husband has an account that he uses for his works expenses (same bank we have a joint account with that has a credit card debt). We could close this and add it to our basic account- but that may start getting very confusing!
The main issue being that he needs to have a credit card for booking hotels and when they take a swipe when you check in. He pays all his bills with the debit card when he checks out- so no actual debt goes on the credit card. But I have been advised the DMP wont be accepted whilst there is any activity at all on a credit card.

Devastated by this- I really thought we were going to finally get ourselves sorted. He has recommended we start our own plan and gave me the formula for offering pro rata payments- but this feels like a huge burden to me and would totally take me out of my comfort zone!

Getting a company credit is not an option.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

glentoran99

He doesnt need a credit card, he could use his debit card in the same way as his credit card

rattters

I thought that may be the case- my mind is spinning!!!

Thanks

January2015

rattters wrote: »

I thought that may be the case- my mind is spinning!!!

Thanks

Definitely can use debit card to swipe for hotels - my DH does it and never uses a credit card when he books and the swipe when he checks in.

If you are still feeling unsure and want confirmation phone one of the hotel chains he regular uses and make an enquiry - they will soon let you know what they need when booking, checking in etc.

redux

I can see why he might pre-swipe with a credit card rather than a debit card.

That provisional charge reduces the balance available, not all establishments immediately wipe it off when they take the actual payment in the morning, and it may take a few days to clear.

Sazzie23

Hi Ratters

Well done for making a start at fixing debt issues.
Stepchange will always say that they do not accept clients who have continuing credit, part of their scheme involves rehabilitating folk like me to not using credit, and that is a good thing for the out part but doesn't help you. I have heard of someone having their work business account excepted but I can't recall if it was SC or one of the others.

If SC still won't play ball, you can still go into DMP either with another management (don't fee pay, try PAyPlan, Christians against Poverty) or go self managed - try the NEDCAB website for tips on how to do it. the DMP mutual support thread has lots of advice, read back from the start of DMP support thread part 10, you'll find lots of self managed on there.

Or consider posting a SOA to see if other cost saving ideas will mean you don't need a DMP .

Good luck &
Hope this helps

rattters

Thanks for the replies- I think a pre authorisation takes 10 days to clear back into the account- but this shouldn't be an issue as there will always be funds in there to cover it-and it isn't used for our personal banking. I still need to get my husband to open an account for it with another bank as it is with the bank we have debts with.

So- with this in mind I guess we can still go ahead with stepchange- I just feel too scared to try and take this on on my own :eek:

Sazzie23

One step at a time, that's why it's called StepChange :-)

Ellieseleven

I work away a lot and always use a debit card for swiping at an hotel. I use a float to cover my expenses which I keep in a separate account and just move into my current account when needed. This has worked for me since I set up our DMP.

Ellie x

loveka

Hi. Self managing is really easy! My partner did it with 50k of credit card debt.

He phoned each one and told them his circumstances. They froze or drastically reduced interest. They confirmed the agreement in writing.He set up a direct debit to them and has been paying for over 2 years now.

If you do that your husband can keep his credit card.

fermi

rattters wrote: »

But I have been advised the DMP wont be accepted whilst there is any activity at all on a credit card.

Yes, if Stepchange are going to be that daft and inflexible, then perhaps a self managed DMP might be better.

See: http://www.cabmoney.org.uk/