www.iva.co.uk

I am in an IVA and am with ThinkBanking. I am finding it increasingly difficult to use my ThinkBank Maestro debit card in North America and also at some motorway services in UK as machines that are "independent" do not usually accept Maestro. I have to get large amounts of cash out when travelling (for work) or get smaller amounts at more cost with charges - neither is ideal. I have told the bank that Maestro is not commonly used in North America and they don't seem bothered - Visa or Mastercard are accepted instead. Also, some online retailers do not accept Maestro for payment. Anyone else finding this a problem?
I was stuck the other week - needed cash for parking at my destination and couldn't get it out at the machines at the services -I stopped at 3 services in a row and couldn't get cash. All very inconvenient. Are there any other banks that I could change to that do a Visa debit card? It is really becoming a problem.

Hi , I have recently joined coop bank . I am in an IVA too just recieved my visa debit card . you dont get overdrafts or a cheque book its called a cashminder account. hope this helps

I agree with merrypotter - give the Co-op a ring. Their banking is free as well, unlike Thinkbanking.

There are other prepaid cards which you could look at as well such as Clearcash. Still with a monthly payment, but you may be able to use them abroad.

Hi
Have you tried a pre paid credit card ?
Regards

Thanks for your help. Just to let you all know in case you ever try, but hiring a car with a prepaid credit card is virtually impossible! It is in case of an accident/claim.
I may have to get one to help out with the immediate problem though. I will also contact Coop about their bank account. I will phone ThinkBanking too - they should take more interest in why they are going to lose customers!
Thanks everyone.

Some prepaid cards are ok with car hire as has been posted on here recently. It's a case of looking at various ones and asking if it is possible.

When I left Think they didn't even ask what the problem was!

Hi

The cashplus gold prepaid card can be used for car hire, you just need to request it.

Be careful with coop as their visa debit is an electron dressed up and some shops that accept electron will reject it as it can confuse their systems. Coop dont care that this is happening.

I've read good reports from the Co-op card - most people have been able to use them in shops.

I've never had a problem with the Co-op card, the only place it's ever been rejected is Marks and Spencers website.

They have very good reviews on here, and I can count on the fingers of one hand how many complaints there have been about the Co-op, unlike Think.

I went into the opticians the other day they accept electron but wouldnt accept my card as it had debit on it, they said that there computer system couldnt recognise it, this has happened with Amazon and B and M as well

I thought you were staying with Think Stu.

My cards haven't been upgraded yet, but maybe someone else who has the Visa debit can let us know how they are getting on. I'm pretty sure ivas4us has one, so perhaps if he sees this he can let us know.

I'm sure someone else posted on here recently about using their card, and they had no problems at all.

Hi Skippy

No I went back to Coop after think refused to release my money I had to speak to a senior member of staff and got it transfered out quick.

Not sure about staying with Coop though or who to bank with really. Would like to try Lloyds once discharged but doubt they would take me