When I say far away I mean to open an account with them I am so confused on which avenue to take..... Coop nearest branch is aberdeen. Barclays Dundee.... It's just for my wages and tax credits really need new bank account opened ASAP

Hi LauraM

I opened my account online with the Co-op and I think Barclays Bank do the same. I called their customer services helpline and it was set up from that call. The backup documentation, card etc. were sent out to my house. I have not been to a Co-operative Bank in the five years I have been with them. I was initially concerned but realise that everything is paid into my bank. Standing orders come out. I transfer money and pay accounts online. I occasionally have to go to the Post office to bank cash or cheques - but it is a bit like going to the bank to deposit. There is a bit of a delay while they post the cheque but cash shows immediately if you bank anything. I can withdraw cash from any cashline. I am guessing Barclays will operate in much the same way.

Unless you actually need to go to the branch on a regular basis, I would not think of it as a problem.

If you wanted to go to the bank to open it, perhaps you could think of it as one trip to get it sorted and then you can do everything online from there.

I do understand the emotion and upset and worry you will be experiencing - I was there. This forum is great for members reassuring us that what seemed a mountain was really just a small molehill. it would be worse if none of the banks would accept you.

Good luck x

Ok I have spoken to barclays customer services who have now faxed through to Dundee branch awaiting fine call on conformation of appt.... Once I have been hopefully il feel a bit happier..... I'd like to say thanks to all who been there for advice tonight it's nice knowing there is support out there

Thank u fire walker I am awaiting an appt and once have made an account I don't have to actually go back in branch which is what I thought I would have to do, they were very friendly and have guarenteed I will be able to keep account open once officially bankrupt. So now I need to open account then once receive forms fill them in.... Yeah this forum has helped lots to think I have been struggling nearly a year as i was to ashamed of myself for getting in thus mess, unfortunately it's due to my partner loosing his job due to companies paying him off due to liquidation and lack of work and then he was diagnosed with epilepsy..... We r getting married this year a small low key wedding thanks to my mum as we been together 10years so it's something to look forward to and we hope it's all sorted to start a fresh

I'm glad that the forum has helped you Lauram2902.

It might not be relevant now, but just so you know the Co-op basic account, Cashminder, isn't available any longer to undischarged bankrupts. There was a big fuss about it when they changed their rules.

But barclays is ok? I spoke to online barcleys customer service and then phoned them and explained to them both my situation and they said bank would stay open and a fax sent for bank to call and make an appt they shall phone in next 24hours

The basic Barclays Cash Card account should be OK.

Fingers crossed for you.

Sorry to hear about the series of challenges you and your partner have had. It must have been a very worrying and upsetting time. Hopefully, your Bankruptcy decision and your wedding will give you the fresh start you need. Hope meeting with Barclays goes well. Sounds very promising.

I was lucky and got a new with the Co-operative before they changed the rules (they changed the rules just as I was discharged).

Well here's hoping barclays do give me an account still waiting on a call from the to make my appt or am pretty much stuck with no way of getting wages or child tax/benifits 🙁

Hi Laura,

We deal with a large volume of people who have been declared bankrupt (between 5-10 new cases per day) and I have to say that the majority of people are able to continue with their banking facility even whilst they are under Bankruptcy providing they don't have debt with the bank. If they bank with Bank of Scotland then normally they will freeze and close the bank account however they do allow a client 30 days before they will close the account completely.

I think the majority of high street banks have the policy of not allowing someone who has been declared bankrupt or hasn't yet been discharged to operate an account with them. You can try to open up accounts with other high street banks i.e. Clydesdale Bank, Santander, Royal Bank of Scotland but there will always be that increased risk that they could decide to withdraw their banking facilities at any time.

As others have said, you do have the option of using a bank account which you need to pay a monthly fee to. This will enable you to still hold a bank account.

There is another option which is to have your wages and tax credits paid into your partners account and for you to use this or another family members account. That way there will be no problems in receiving your wages and benefits.

Hi David ok thank u very much for ur advice, I am waiting to hear from barclays about an appt to open an account with them, as would need my own account for my direct debits which is for house insurance and tv licence. If barclays don't allow me to keep an account open with them then I will have to look into a family members account which would be a bit if a pain as my family work away a lot so would be stuck to get my money if they were away, my partners account would be no use as it's a joint account..... I can't really afford to be paying for a bank account so ideally would be best with a basic account that doesn't have a monthly charge.......

Hello everyone quick question..... Once I'm declared bankrupt and it's decided if I can afford weekly/monthly payments or not, do I have controlled of my own benifits/wages????

Hi Lauram2902.

Yes. The money will be in your bank account under your control.

Provided that you comply with the requests of your trustee there shouldn't be an issues here.

That's TDA, I am just finding out everything I can, I definitely think that's going down bankruptcy is best, I am hoping once all sorted it be a fresh start for me and my family and I will be less upset and depressed and can start to enjoy life again

Hi Laura,

Often people think that we are going to take total control of their finances, manage their income, pay their bills, run their bank account and give them money which is left over after all of this to live on.

Life really should just continue as normal for you. Your benefits and wages will be paid into your bank account which you will control and pay any bills from. There should be no change to your day to day life.

Did you receive the paperwork I posted out to you?