www.iva.co.uk

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:49 pm**

Hi,

I am one year into my IVA and the one most frustrating thing is that my new bank HSBC will only give me a hole in the wall card. Do any banks offer people accounts with debit cards? I have tried to explain to the bank I dont want an overdraft ect just a debit card but its a computer that makes the decision so no chance. Any advise is appreciated.

Regards Andrew

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:52 pm**

Hi Andrew and welcome to the forum. I would be very wary of banking with the HSBC whilst in an IVA as they have a tendancy to close down accounts, no personal experience just what is reported via the forum.

I have a basic account with the Natwest which carries a solo card and it works very well for me, the co-op also come highly recommended and they have a debit card too, lots of our posters bank with the co-op and they're very IVA/Bankruptcy friendly.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 4:55 pm**

Hi Andrew I too have a basic natwest account its called a step account and they now come with visa debit cards instead of solo

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:06 pm**

My hubby did have a letter about a Visa Debit coming to him, he hasn't received it yet and I've never had the letter but my expiry date is 10/10 so wondering if they're waiting until then? x

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 5:28 pm**

That sounds right Lesley opened mine may 2010 so they should change your cards soon

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:24 pm**

I have an account with Secure Trust Bank and to be honest I wish I had heard of them years ago. You don't get a debit card but a pre pay Mastercard, the limit is what you deposit to it from there on line banking system. The only problems I have encountered with the MC is that NCP type parking meters don't accept it even though they show the MC logo.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:28 pm**

Steer clear of HSBC and First Direct - when they realise you are in an IVA they will close your account - it took them six months to twig with us and they then gave us 14 days notice to close the account !

We have basic accounts with visa electron cards with Halifax and Santender and a Visa Debit card with Smile - part of the Co-Op group - applied on line accepted !

Why so many accounts - car fund, contingency fund and day to day expenditure fund !

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 6:48 pm**

Co-op is a good account is a good one if they are not a creditor.

Whilst there is free banking available, then I would never advocate paying for a bank account.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:44 pm**

Co op all the way for me!!

Paul

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:47 pm**

Nationwide have just started doing it from this month.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:50 pm**

We're still waiting for our Nationwide card.

They can be funny if you are in an IVA after entering an IVA, otherwise you should be ok.

Posted: **Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:52 pm**

I haven't got mine yet either.

Posted: **Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:27 am**

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome and posts, looks like I will will be applying for a CO-OP account ASAP.

Am I better doing this online or at a branch and openly admitting I am in an IVA?

Thanks,

Andy c

Posted: **Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:21 am**

You will only be able to get the Cashminder account, and that has to applied for in a branch or over the phone.

Posted: **Fri Jul 16, 2010 9:35 am**

...and when I called them to open the cashminder account they asked me if I was starting an iva or bankruptcy. If you weren't they would try and steer you towards one of their other accounts