Current Account For Discharged Bankrupt?

cravedisorder

Hi
this is my first post so please forgive me if asking a much answered question.

I was discharged early from bankruptcy in August 2006. I was lucky enough to have a basic Step account with the NatWest where wages were paid into and direct debits etc.

I asked about upgrading to a full account after discharge and was told they wanted to see a full year of account operation etc before upgrading. In August of this year I spoke again with natWest and have just found out they will not upgrade this account depsite agreeing that I have run the account perfectly etc.

I don't want to keep applying for different current accounts and upsetting my credit record any further but would like to try and rebuild my rating and operate a proper current account, does anyone have any advice with regards to sympathetic banks or just general advice?

One good thing that has come out of all of this is that my bankruptcy has taught me so much about prioritising bills and I can honestly say that I have kept up to date with everything and will continue to do so. It needn't be the end of the world!!!

Any help/Advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks

wherediditallgo

Hi, & welcome to the forum.:)

Why are you thinking of upgrading the account? I got one of the accounts mentioned in the sticky at the top of the forum here while I was undischarged, but now I'm discharged I'm going to keep it rather than go for an upgrade or try to change banks. I've managed without cheques for months, don't need a credit card as I've got a pre-paid cashplus card & I quite like knowing I have to pay cash or use my debit card for things. Also, upgrading the account means I might be leaving myself open to offers of credit, something I can do without.

Your credit rating is shot for 6 years anyway, so unless you have very good reasons for wanting the upgrade, personally I'd leave things as they are.

backontheup

I think that a year is too soon to expect miracles.

Someone mentioned that a good way to get the credit score up is to get a Capital One credit card - dont worry, they will only give you a limit of £250, and spend a pound, pay it off in full every month.

personally, I am not that bothered about having a 'proper' bank account again. I have my prepaid mastercard and a basic account I can manage

fiveyearplan

The danger with a Capital One card is once they see you are running it okay they may increase the credit limit.

tigerfeet2006

fiveyearplan wrote: »

The danger with a Capital One card is once they see you are running it okay they may increase the credit limit.

Hmm! that is a good point but hopefully the OP will have learnt his lesson and say 'thanks but no thanks'.