www.iva.co.uk

Applied for a step account with Natwest as previously recommended on this site, just in case I have any savings eventually. Did it on line and they refused me due to being bankrupt...which im not as in an iva. Got me a little worried so i looked at my credit report which states iva so I rang the bank and they said banks will see me as being bankrupt even if in an iva, but they offered me a different savings account and sorted it all over the phone so I guess all's well that end's well. Just thought I would add this info in case people had the same problem [:)]

Natwest do tend to lump IVA and BR together unfortunately - others don't.

Did you want a savings account? Does it come with a debit card?

Yes it was just a savings account I wanted and have been given a 'first response' account with debit card, telephone & internet banking so happy with that. Just didn't realise bankruptcy & iva's were grouped together. There was also another account he mentioned I could have so at least I know there are options out there. It wasn't essential I got the account as when I opened the iva I went with thinkbanking which my salary, direct debits etc., go out from that but I just wanted to have another one in case I do have anything extra

That's quite good then. Most banks don't lump them together - Natwest do have a habit of doing it though. My mortgage company did.

You could think of opening a Co-op or Barclays account for your every day stuff - doesn't cost anything.

i'm going to stick with thinkbanking for now because of the structured way they handle the account which I think will help until I get used to the iva and money in general, i was so used to going over my overdraft with my previous bank and credit cards just to buy food etc. and at least it takes the worry off that and they are really friendly and helpful. Co-op is a creditor so I know I can't go with them. Just happy knowing there is hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel

That's good to know about Natwest, I opened a step account online and it was all approved - I use it now. I guess I didn't have any issues as I wasn't in the IVA then although I am now - first payment due end of April.
Just hope things stay ok with them as i find the online banking etc great.

You'll be fine Susie - not known of anyone in an IVA who has had problems with them.

I opened a Natwest Step account Pre IVA with no problems and have just recently opened a Co-op Cashminder. I told Co-op I was entering an IVA and the very pleasant chap was very pleasant about it indeed!

The Co-op are brilliant - pity more banks aren't like that.

I opened a Natwest Step Account pre-IVA and they upgraded it when I was in an IVA to the account with a cheque book, I'm more than happy with the account hope they're not changing how they view us within IVA's/ Bankrupt. x