How long will my account be frozen

Dbr

Hello. I don't know if anyone can help.
Prior to my BR I opened a Santander basic account in readiness knowing I wouldn't be able to have a current account.
On Friday I went to use my card and it was declined due to my BR the bank has frozen the account. Now I called them up on Friday but it was after 5pm so I have been told no one from the correct department available until monday morning.
So now I'm stuck with no funds
The OR has sent a letter last week confirming no interest in my account and not to freeze it.
How long will the bank keep my account frozen for ?
Thank you
D

TheGardener

It shouldn't take long - bit of a pain on a Friday - but I'm sure they'll sort it out quickly on Monday. Santander used to be very intolerant of BR's. Did you check if they were ok with you being BR? If they are not helpful on Monday I'd open a Barclays Basic or a Nationwide account.

broaps

My husband had a 123-lite account at Santander and they just closed the account despite the OR writing to say they had no interest in the account. They weren't interested in changing his account to a basic account either. We now both have accounts with Nationwide and they have been great. My Flex account wasn't frozen at all and was just downgraded to a basic account with the same account number and code so no changes needed to payments in or out. I would give them a try as the Gardener suggests. Good luck.

Dbr

I only have a basic account and I told them when I went in to open it that I was going bankrupt and nobody said anything. I'm very stressed

TheGardener

I know it can be really stressful. Unfortunately local branch staff are rarely well informed when it come to the companies policies on BR. Have to arranged for your salary/benefits to go into this new account? Santander can close the account but they can't keep any funds.
Why don't you open a flex direct or basic account on the Nationwide website over the weekend - remembering to make sure you select the zero overdraft facility. That way if it all goes pear-shaped with Santander you have something else ready to go?

Dbr

Yes all my wages and direct payments went into this new basic account. I can't use nationwide as I'm also going ahead with voluntary repossession and the mortgage is with them. I'm a single mom and I just got out of control trying to provide for my son
Plus problems with the house. Leasehold . Omg. Long story

TheGardener

That's ok - try Barclays. You have to go into a branch and specify you want a basic account.

I know it s hard - but this is the start of you taking control of your financial future. Live within your means and budget carefully and even if there are a few more bumps in the road, your son with have a confident and less stressed mum

broaps

Hi Dbr

Bankruptcy is stressful and anyone who thinks otherwise is daft but please try to look forward to the day when everything settles down, which it will, and you can have a life without constantly worrying about debt.

With Nationwide, I rang them after applying for BR and they asked the OR to fax (yes, fax) the release letter direct to the department that deals with it. The OR did this straight away and my account was never frozen. I seem to remember that Santander have a section that deals with BR so ring the helpline asap and ask to speak to this section. They shpuld be able to tell you how long your account will be frozen and tell you if there is any way to speed things up. Good luck.

Dbr

Thank you all for your support. Apparently the bank questioned my account because I had my wages paid in but the OR letter stated current amount in my account was 0. Seriously the bank just being pedantic. The OR send an email and it's all sorted

Thanks all