www.iva.co.uk

Well I've just had my 1st basic bank account rejection due to Experian.
I've been in a IVA situation for 10 months now, all going along ok, no more phone calls/letters and the like and apart from the problem with my HP agreement at the very start (they wanted me to settle full amount owing or repossess my car, Black Horse Finance and one of my creditors was Lloyd's TSB...one and the same)everything else has been....ok

I have a bank account with Smile which was opened before my IVA was ok'd, since then I have 'bought' a prepaid card with Virgin and opened a websaver account with Halifax.

So I thought I would be 'daring' and applied for a basic bank account with Halifax, no overdraft, visa electron cash card, just a basic no credit current account just in case my Smile account goes belly up.
(Don't see why it should but just in case)

Anyway, applied online, got a reply via email saying about online banking etc and a couple of letters with my registration details, also got a letter asking for proof of identity for money laundering purposes, so I sent them back a copy of my passport....all's well up to now me thinks.

Well Today I just got a letter saying that they credit checked me with Experian and they have refused me the basic account[:0]

Having looked around the post's, Halifax were one of the banks that seemed to be ok with IVA applicants as long as there wasn't any credit attached, obviously they have changed their policies and now credit check everyone, even if its just for the basic account or not....

Ah well, Halifax are now struck off my list and now looking where to go next.
Rather than go into the banks and speak face to face, I'd rather do it all online as I said, it was purely a case of obtaining a basic 'back up' account so my need isn't vital but its still feels like a kick in the teeth and brings me down to earth with a big bump...again[:(]

Anyone have any pointers to which bank accounts can be applied for and accepted whilst IVA-ing online please ??

well, I was bankrupt, (got Early Discharge) and I managed to open 2 basic account with Barclays, I am not even on the electrol register so don't know how I managed that! I have a joint account for everyday living expenses and once I was discharged from bankruptcy, I got a job and all my wages go into the account in my name only, as a saving account and for a holiday to Cyprus in a few week's time [:D]

The co-op is a good account. You have to open it up either on the phone or in the branch. Its easy to use, you get an electron card and it also has internet banking

I'd definitely recommend the Co-op Cashminder account.

Hi

Please try Nationwide flex account, keep away from pre paid

Regards.

Neil

I got turned away by a disgusting manager from the local branch of clydsedale bank who pointed out that I was a bad risk. I asked what the point of the basic no frills or credit account was if it wasnt for the likes of me?? I left with my tail between my legs but shall return one day when my debts are sorted and point out that they lost a new customer because of their short sightedness as I wont always be in debt and my wife and I both earn a decent wage.
The following day I called the co op(nearest branch 45 miles away) and got sorted over the phone,just sorted out online banking with them tonight and can deposit cash or cheques into the post office or even a co op shop(takes longer to reach account). Defo a decent option IMO.

Try RBS if it was not one of your creditors, you get a solo/meastro card, direct debits, standing orders, its a key account and there is no credit checks you cant have overdrafys or cheque books etc, but thats a good thing

Question: Our current bank is NOT one of our creditors. We have a cheque book and visa debit. Will this be taken when we get our IVA?

i also got a coop cashminder account no problems and very easy online banking.

Hey drowning-mummy, NO, you'll be fine. Same with me. Viki X

Oh, unless you bank with HSBC! X

Off topic I know Viki.....but what does HSBC stand for? I'm sure that I know, but someone told me I am wrong and that they are right. Clue: Mine is to do with Asia.

Is it Hong Kong and Shangai Banking Corporation?

I think that's right Viki. Used to be Midland Bank many moons ago, a nice, friendly, helpful bank. Got too big for their boots now though!

Well Kallis, I actually worked for Midland bank for 8 years when I left school![:0] Way before it was HSBC. It was great, I was in a small branch, mainly students, this was before call centres and our customers loved us. Then it ALL changed.[:(] Viki X