www.iva.co.uk

Hi All

I'm on a rant. I have been hiding myself away ticking off the things that are happening since I declared myself officially BR last week. I was in the London Gazette yesterday. Had masses of paperwork to sort out for the OR which I sent over the weekend. My interview is tomorrow. So today I discover Halifax has frozen my account - despite the OR letter saying it is all ok and she was not interested in the account. I have been with them 20 years, never ever in debt with them, got debt from them etc. And just had a basic account. Went to do the weekly shop - my card was taken.

Got home and called the OR who is faxing the Halifax to release my money. I spoke to the BR department at Halifax. And the guy was awful. I was crying on the phone cos I am just so so upset about the whole thing. He asked why I was in BR and I explained briefly everything about the kids, and the situation I was forced into to get them to school. He then said 'I could plead with my local bank manager to allow me a new basic account. As far as Halifax are concerned they are going to shut down my accounts'. He then said 'Oh and it's best not to even think about an account until well after discharge'. Right sorry just got to do this ...... When you think that Halifax needed I think it was a 13 billion bail out from the government cos of their debt - and they wont keep me on though I have been totally clean with them for 20 years!

Anyway I was terribly upset. I called the Co-op. The lady was fantastic - I explained about the BR and she said the basic account they have is for people like me. I was approved - HOORAY
and I am getting a visa debit. Then had to spend an hour sorting out all the direct debits and disability benefits for the kids. But to Co-Op I say thank You so much and this will help me start to rebuild mine and my children's lives. You have given us hope when others kicked us in the teeth. Thank you sooooo much.

To all the forum buddies I would say don't go near Halifax with a barge pole. They are so so BR and debt unfriendly no matter what your circumstance. I thought I had a good case to keep my account - but they don't care I am just a number and they do what they do.

I have my interview with the OR tomorrow so find out for definite about the house etc. I am so scared and nervous - but at least once I know I can start planning for the children and me.

Thanks everyone so much. Though I have not posted much over the last little bit I have been reading and it has helped loads. I have felt so so lost at times and scared. But now I know I can have a bank account I am so relieved and I will stay with the Co-Op now for good cos they helped me at my lowest - and that's the sign of a good bank.

I hope you are all doing ok. I read the thread about br discharge and I am inclined to agree a bit with skippy. But what I would say is that BR is exceptionally emotional - it has been for me anyway. I feel like I am on parole - like I am being watched and monitored now. If I don't need that for a year - that would be great. I don't think I deserve to be in this position but I am - and an early discharge would be very welcome to have that 'parole' type feeling relieved. (Not that I have ever been in trouble with the law or anything) For me it is not about learning lessons. I am actually really good at managing money - this was circumstance. And it would be nice to move on and start a new chapter as soon as possible.

I am off to the Halifax to clear my accounts. I am also closing the children's accounts down - their money can go to the Co-Op now.

Have a great afternoon

Poppyfairy [:)]

Great news about the Co-op Poppyfairy, but what a nasty attitude from from the Halifax.

Glad you got it sorted.

I am with the co op and think they are great. I was hounded out of my local clydesdale bank when I asked about basic accounts for insolvent people!!! Never been so embarassed in my life(and I have done many a silly thing in the past!!!)

Boo hiss to the halifax for their stinking attitude.

Paul

I was advised to go with the Halifax basic account, but I wish I had gone with the Co-op..wonder how easy it would be to move now?

Hi
I have the Co-op Cashminder account myself and can't fault it.
Regards

I'm glad you sorted out your bank account Poppy. I was with the Halifax for a while few years ago and they were awful and I wouldn't go back to them again, even if they would have me!

I have gone back to the Co-op despite having a full account with Nationwide as their customer service is so good. The only thing I would like them to improve is their online banking, as it's not real time and you don't see the available balance.

One other thing - I hope I didn't offend you with the BR thread Poppy. I certainly never meant to upset anyone!

Poppyfairy

I'm disgusted with the Halifax's treatment of you, they are a uncaring organisation. They hounded me also before my IVA was approved.

I'm with the Co-op too, they have been great, and of course they are an ethical bank.

Chin up girl! [:D][:D][:D]

S xx

I had an account with the Halifax and they didn't freeze it,but I had no money in thought I'd cancelled everything,but they let a standing order for £3 go out and now want £60 charges off me.My OR said forget it,its their own fault they should have frozen the account sooner and as advised I'v sent them a copy of my BR certificate and the address of my OR and told them if I have a problem to deal with her.Not heard anything back yet but defo not paying them any money,got coop cashminder account and it's brilliant,only place found that doesn't take it is tesco's online so just swapped to asda (cheaper anyway)

Hi Everyone

Victory!!! I have just been into town to Halifax. The bank had the fax from my OR to allow me to get funds. There was a perlarva at first. Then I was taken to cash desk to get my money but of course all the counter staff had been made aware on the way that I am BR! I did feel very humiliated but I got my cash - shut down the kids accounts and left with my head up thinking I don't have to step foot in there again!! Hoorah!!

So just waiting for tomorrow and then I know what's what.

Skippy in no way did you offend me at all hun! I do agree that in some respects being 12 month br I would not probably think about too much. It is only when you have to try and sort things like insurance - that was cancelled cos I am br - like today - that it is so frustrating. And these are things just to allow you live not luxuries or anything like that. Like I said it just feels like I am walking around with a flurescent band on saying I AM BR! I guess that feeling will go after a while and i wont notice.

Thanks to all. I am so sorry to all you guys for the probs you've had with banks - it is so bad cos all we want to do is live and pay the bills! And they are far more in probs than us! So well done Co-Op for being humane and realistic.

Big Hug to all for being so kind.

Poppyfairy [:)]

Don't worry, the neon sign does go! I can remember walking down the street feeling as if there was a cartoon thought bubble over my head saying 'BANKRUPT'!

Sorry Skip - that does conjure up an image![:D]