New bank account

[emma_t]

You can have a cheque book in an iva and I have one and a visa debit card.
I think it depends when you open your new account, I did mine as soon as I thought I may be going to propose an iva so my credit rating was still good so I got a standard current account.
If your credi rating is already affected you would be able to get a basic bank account but I don't believe these come with cheque books, although I maybe wrong on this.

The only thing you can't do in an iva is gain further credit, so Icancelled the £1,500 overdraft that was given automatically when I opened my account.

Emma x

[chris.g]

Getting back to co-op. When we applied we were referred, something I expected really. The girl said she would ring me as soon as she heard anything which she did the following day to tell me that it had been accepted. I wouldn't write off the co-op until you get a decline from them.
xx

[rollercoasterride]

We opened an Abbey account as soon as we knew that was the procrdure in an IVA (new bank account) and we have a cheque book and visa debit card. They offered us an overdraft but suprise suprise we declined it. This felt good tho knowing that we can get by without one.
Don't use many cheques but it's good to know they are there if needed.

[emma_t]

I applied to Nat West at first as they were not one of my creditors...they came back to me and said they thought I was 'over committed'!!

Well tell me something I didn't know.....LOL[:D]

[lily]

Chris did you go into the branch?? Or do it online or phone as the computer often says no with the latter. Also they automatically press ahead with the current account, they did this with me which came back as a no, even though I specifically asked for the cashminder account, in person and confessing all.

[Moneystinks]

I have a feeling that they (Co op) automatically pressed ahead with a 'normal' account. We tried going into a branch but it was only a sub branch and they didn't open accounts in there. I ended up speaking to somebody on the phone who asked me a million questions as to why I wanted a basic account - lying is not my strong point. When we were sat in the Abbey branch oh couldn't wait to get me out he said I looked as if I was going to die[:I]

To make things worse we had my 9 year old with us - not the best idea.[:o)]

[chris.g]

We applied in branch. We explained that we on the br route and that we needed a basic account. I found that being upfront with them I wasn't risking having the account froze/closed when we filed.

[lily]

I really think that going in person makes a difference dont you??? It seems a lot have been declined by going about it online.

[Moneystinks]

I'm inclined to agree. Although as you said earlier it is not always a pleasant experience.

[chris.g]

I think the thing is that the co-op online application if for their current account NOT the cashminder. Obviously, they don't make money form basic accounts, they do from current acc so it makes sense from their point of view to only have the 'money making' accounts online.
I do agree that I would rather deal with a real person though, you can explain your situation, many are only tpp happy to help find a solution for you.

[Skippy]

Chris is right, you can only apply for a Cashminder in a branch or on the phone. It's definitely worth making the effort for though.

[james.c]

When i first went in to an IVA i did the same as you and went in to the branch and got a basic account, as this was the only account they could give me with out a credit check. They did say after 12 months they would review it depending on how i ran the account.

After 12 months i went in to the branch to up grade, so i had a cheque book, visa debit acrd, but this was declined. Then the person at the bank did it as a new account and it was accepted, I now have a visa , debit card (electron and a cheque book). Only used cheque book a couple of times, but feels great last time i used a cheque book about 2 years ago i knew it was using my overdraft

[wen]

I was referred for my Cashminder application (which I did over the phone).

Give them a call and verify which account you applied for and the update on it.

Be honest and upfront with them -- they are very understanding (see my blog with regards to my experience so far with the Co-op).