Looking for help

webcrawler2050uk

Good evening,

I hope you are well?

I'm really looking for some advice please, living post bankruptcy, is difficult. So here's why.

I declared bankruptcy, on the 10th October 2016 after a variety of failed businesses and debts caused by my bipolar disorder. At this point, I hadn't had a bank account for a number of year, but when I did my bankruptcy, I spoke to nationwide and they gave me a basic account. My P.I.P and Universal credit goes into this bank account and I ran it perfectly, treating it like gold dust.

Fast forward to March 2017, Nationwide called me and advised, I was eligible for an "upgrade" so upgrade to a full current account. So I did, again, ran very good apart from one little time, a D/D bounced and Nationwide refunded the charge as a one time gesture.

July 2017, I split from my said partner and I moved into a new house and got a little part time job. So my salary, P.I.P and UC go into my bank account, rent goes out too & normal everyday living expenses.

October 2017, came and went and I was discharged. I had taken an O2 sim only to build it up and paid it on time every month and it got upgraded to a "full" contract & a Vanquis Card. Again, always clear it every month and all other bills are paid on time etc.

In November, I got a letter from Nationwide, saying there where closing my account. No explanation, no thing. So I called them and they wouldn't give me anything other than the option to appeal it. I asked for reasons but they wouldn't do anything. I also logged a complaint with the Ombudsman, I explained this will really mess stuff up and it was stressing me out and have a few affects on my bipolar disorder. They spoke to nationwide and asked for information "urgently" they refused to co-operate with the ombudsman and took 3/4 weeks of chasing them to get answers. I was told they have made a "commercial decision" not to bank with me.

So. in my panic, i've bene trying every bank and been decline, even for a basic accoun. Which is NOT good. I;ve checked my credit report and it's clean and everything states "up - to date"

So my question what next? Can anyone recommend a bank that maybe able to help?

Thank you so much !

haggis0073

barclays allow a basic account for bankrupt people, make sure its the most basic account they do

webcrawler2050uk

Thank you, they already said no aswell.

bewildered1

Co-op told me they wouldn't close a basic bank account after bankruptcy.

chrislee999

There is an account operated by think money but I believe there is a monthly charge but its a guaranteed option and in return they offer no bank charges whatsoever.

haggis0073

are you applying online for the bank accounts, if so then i would attempt to go to the bank direct and speak to an adviser about opening up an account, your local town/city will have numerous banks in the centre so you can try them all in one afternoon

TheGardener

My suggestion as a first step is to check your credit file/s urgently and specifically anything in the CIPFA marker section. If banks are refusing even basic accounts then its possible your account has been flagged for fraudulent transactions (possible ID theft etc). If you can rule that out that's a start.
As Haggis says - When you are applying for accounts - are you making sure you apply for ones that have no overdraft facility? Most of the basic accounts (but not all) are not easily available online - if you haven't already done so - go into a bank branch like Barclays and make an appointment to open a basic account.
As an alternative do you have access to any Credit Union in your local area or work? Large employers like the NHS and councils often have access to them - I believe there is one for those in the retail trade too.

Pepper25

Hi Webcrawler,

I bank with Nationwide and have a basic account did have a flex account but nationwide have been very helpful. I also have an e account which you can get online this is similar to a basic account in that you can pay DDs and have a debit card. Its very easy to manage and use. Have a look e account.

philnicandevan

Pepper25 wrote: »

Hi Webcrawler,

I bank with Nationwide and have a basic account did have a flex account but nationwide have been very helpful. I also have an e account which you can get online this is similar to a basic account in that you can pay DDs and have a debit card. Its very easy to manage and use. Have a look e account.

Its nationwide thats closed the OP's account...

Lioness_Twinkletoes

TheGardener wrote: »

My suggestion as a first step is to check your credit file/s urgently and specifically anything in the CIPFA marker section.

I agree with this. Check Noddle or Clearscore; both are free.

fatbelly

You can get a free Experian credit report from mse credit club