Sorry going back to the co-operative bank - applications can only be made in person @ a branch, not online, this info was from a telephone advisor.

Thanks for sharing that info with us sparky1.

It is interesting that you are being turned down for basic accounts. According to the FSA, who produce a leaflet about basic bank accounts, the vast majority of banks will open basic accounts for everyone except undischarged bankrupts or those with a history of fraud. However, in practice you often hear that people are being turned away.

I think there is a general ignorance and stigma in banking towards these account as they are viewed of being no value. That coupled with the over cautious approach to anyone in our circumstance results in allot of applications being rejected (some partly due to incorrect information or not having the ability to log correct categories internally in the back). Most only will open these up via an application or in branch and not over the phone.

Right Co-Op. If you call them and request the application form for the basic account they will send it out to you. You will need to fill it in and send off with it original proof of ids etc. For this part you might consider the trip to a branch worthwhile. On a plus side when it's open you can go to ANY post office to pay money in (including cheques) and make withdrawals. Their online banking is also very good.

RBS also offer a basic account which has restrictions of in for withdrawals (only at their machines) but still gives you a debit card you can use. Just make sure they are not connected to any of your creditors.

It might be worth doing a quick Google search for ÔÇ£IVA Approved bank accountsÔÇØ. An IVA is the English equivalent of a TD so accounts that can be opened in an IVA should be ok to open in a TD.

When I did the search I found a similar forum to this site which had a great list of account providers and the account names.

Hope this helps.
C

I have never been near any co-op branch in the 5 years of having an account!!!

Paul