Going into the bank to withdraw money instead of cash machine.

nicetomeetyou

I'm really struggling with managing my finances. If I'm honest I have a binge/drink problem and don't have any willpower with money. I can manage very well without alcohol if I haven't got access to money. Ten days ago I did a £70 food shop filling my freezer and cut up my bank card and flushed a bit containing some numbers down the loo.. I have managed very well without it and not drank for 10 days. Because I haven't got access to money I haven't made unwise decisions. I have managed very well.

I'm thinking what might be beneficial to me is if I went into my branch and withdraw money weekly without my card just using my passport? Or maybe open a cash account and have £35/£40 paid into it per week and with that withdraw money and use cash for shopping?

I would really appreciate any suggestions?

mab3000

Probably not the best idea in the current climate to rely on using bank branches to withdraw money given a lot of bank branches have reduced hours right now. You would probably need to speak to your bank as well to cancel the card completely as you may face questions if you start repeatedly going to the branch to withdraw cash without the card being present. 

Do you have regular income going into your account? You could open up a separate current account maybe at a different bank, and set up a regular standing order from the existing bank to the new account with just the money you need to buy you essentials. 

nicetomeetyou

mab3000 said:

Do you have regular income going into your account? You could open up a separate current account maybe at a different bank, and set up a regular standing order from the existing bank to the new account with just the money you need to buy you essentials. 

I thought about this but would like the option of a cash card instead of debit card... Also I don't want it linked to my main account because I can easily transfer money over with online banking. I would need the cash card remaining independent from my main account with Nationwide....

nicetomeetyou

Yes I have a regular income of £135 a week, my only outgoing is £60 a month for my mobile phone and insurance, I cut up my credit card 3 months and and had no problems paying the balance off... I havent used it in 3 months... Also I have kept within my overdraft using it occasionally. Thing is I have £350/£400 a month disposable income and haven't managed to save anything...

mab3000

nicetomeetyou said:

mab3000 said:

Do you have regular income going into your account? You could open up a separate current account maybe at a different bank, and set up a regular standing order from the existing bank to the new account with just the money you need to buy you essentials. 

I thought about this but would like the option of a cash card instead of debit card... Also I don't want it linked to my main account because I can easily transfer money over with online banking. I would need the cash card remaining independent from my main account with Nationwide....

This is why I suggested opening an account with a different bank, so there is less temptation to switch money between the 2. 

I don’t know about other banks current accounts but I know that with a Barclays current account you can have a cash card instead of a debit card. But to get a cash card on the account straight away you’d probably have to apply for the account in the branch, which you will struggle to do right now.  

Money_Saving_Bloke

Santander offer a basic current account, which may suit your needs. You’ll receive a basic cash card that can be used to make withdrawals at an ATM, branch or post office, but cannot be used for spending in shops or online. You’ll also get a top-up debit card that sits alongside the current account. The top-up debit card can be used for spending, but as the name implies, it needs to be topped-up with funds before it can be used, rather than drawing the money directly from your account like a normal debit card. You can also decide not to use the top-up card at all and just use the cash card. 

nicetomeetyou

Money_Saving_Bloke said:

Santander offer a basic current account, which may suit your needs. You’ll receive a basic cash card that can be used to make withdrawals at an ATM, branch or post office, but cannot be used for spending in shops or online. You’ll also get a top-up debit card that sits alongside the current account. The top-up debit card can be used for spending, but as the name implies, it needs to be topped-up with funds before it can be used, rather than drawing the money directly from your account like a normal debit card. You can also decide not to use the top-up card at all and just use the cash card. 

Having just looked on Santander website that is just what I'm looking for.... Thank you Money_Saving_Bloke..

Next question is can I open a basic bank account when I already have a current account with overdraft facility? Primarily I will ditch the Santander debit card and just use the cash card... I won't have no direct debits coming out.. Just £190 monthly credited for food and other stuff like coffees outs, so everyday spending really....

Money_Saving_Bloke

nicetomeetyou said:

Money_Saving_Bloke said:

Santander offer a basic current account, which may suit your needs. You’ll receive a basic cash card that can be used to make withdrawals at an ATM, branch or post office, but cannot be used for spending in shops or online. You’ll also get a top-up debit card that sits alongside the current account. The top-up debit card can be used for spending, but as the name implies, it needs to be topped-up with funds before it can be used, rather than drawing the money directly from your account like a normal debit card. You can also decide not to use the top-up card at all and just use the cash card. 

Having just looked on Santander website that is just what I'm looking for.... Thank you Money_Saving_Bloke..

Next question is can I open a basic bank account when I already have a current account with overdraft facility? Primarily I will ditch the Santander debit card and just use the cash card... I won't have no direct debits coming out.. Just £190 monthly credited for food and other stuff like coffees outs, so everyday spending really....

As long as you don’t have more than one other current account with Santander, then you should be eligible to open a basic current account. On it’s own, having an account with another bank (with or without an overdraft) shouldn’t be an issue, but as with all account applications, the final decision on approval will come down to your personal circumstances.