My bankruptcy ended last November and I have been using a basic bank account since with no problems.

But would like to have the use of a debit card again - are there any banks willing to provide this?

I do not require credit/over draft facility. My current bank have said they will provide a debit card after 3 years.

I am in employment.

Thanks.

A lot of the banks are suffering from bad debt at present hence many have tightened their acceptance criteria. Each case will be assessed on it's merits but it's likely to be an uphill struggle. All you can do is shop around. The banks offering attractive rates or overdraft terms are the least likely to offer you a debit card because they are trying to 'cherry pick' what they perceive to be the lowest risk customers.

Hi, I am in the same boat as you, my current bank have been great, my bankruptcy finished in March 2005 and I have tried getting a current account since, my bank declined me in March this year and told me to try again in September this year, but again was declined. Have you had any luck in finding a bank that would supply you with a basic current account as yet? Any advise would be appreciated.

if enough people with demand club together we can get a Visa and/ or Mcard - prepaid (effectively a debit card) usable at all ATMs and most other locations, it can be topped up over the net and other methods. It operates as a virtual bank account with ability to pay bills and transfer funds to anyone with an email address.

I am not bankrupt but have been using this in the UK and USA for nearly two years and it works.

I was discharged from my bankruptcy last March, and have since been able to open a Basic bank account with HSBC, but have had no joy on upgradiing this to a curent account. I could really do with having a debit card, as it would be better to spend exact amounts in shops, rather than withdrawing cash to pay. I don't know why banks have to credit check to give a debit card? It's not as is I'm asking for an overdraft!

The shared Visa card sounds interesting? But how exactly would that work? And surely a "good" credit scorer would need to apply?

I was declared Bankrupt in 2003 and discharged in 2005. Sadly it's been impossible to obtain either a full current account or debit card ever since.

Last year Citibank were offering a basic 'sterling' account with a debit card. Many people with bad credit or former bankruptcy successfully obtained this account. At the time, Citibank credit vetting procedures were not very strict for this basic account. Sadly, Citibank changed the terms and conditions due to the sheer numbers of people applying for it. Now your application will be subject to a standard credit check and the chances of obtaining this account is slim. Unfortunately, I found out about it all too late, but many others were lucky enough to slip n the back door.

If you wish to apply for a basic bank account with a debit card there are two possible options that I'm aware of:

1) Halifax Easycash. They've recently changed this account, so that you are now supplied with a Visa/Electron card.
2) Cooperative Bank. They have a basic cashminder account and this also comes with a debit card I believe.

Failing this, there is always the Prepaid card option. These cards are not usually subject to credit checks. If you desperately wish to obtain a debit card, this may be the only solution.

The best example of this that I've come across is the Lastminute.com prepaid card. It's a prepaid Maestro debit card. It costs £6.99 for the card and can be topped up via a postoffice, paypoint or online free of charge. There is no monthly fee, but every ATM transaction or Purchase is subject to a 2.75% charge. Personally, this is a small price to pay for the convenience of a debit card and I've applied for one failing every other debit card avenue.

There are other cards out there, but they are much more expensive and the prepaid Mastercards come with a hefty £5 a month fee before any of their other charges.

When will these banks start treating us like human beings and not Lepars! :-(

There are a number of pre paid /debit/ATM cards around , you will want one which carries the Visa or MasterCard logo, try www.mygcard.com or www.globelxchange.net they both work well.

I don't know if it exists in the UK but I have a Visa Check card which is accepted everywhere, for me it is better than an Amex.

Good luck and let me know if you have any problem with them.

Regards

Chuck

Try Yorkshire Bank OR Clydesdale Bank!!

Basic account
Great internet Banking
Maestro Debit Card

I'm Ex bankrupt,

If a group was formed , with a minimum of 200 members a Visa or Mastercard debit/ card could be provided together with an on line wallet which acts as a virtual bank account. The retail cost per card is 20 GBP. Unfortunately the operators won't 'talk' to you unless you can demonstrate ability for minimum 200 units

Hey, Im in the same boat as you, I have a basic bank account but they wont upgrade it, been discharged over a year now and really frustrating. I found a solution (hopefully only short term) to enable me to buy things on line, or in shops etc. I have signed up for a 'pay as you go' credit card. There is an initial charge to take out the card ranging from £10 to £30 depending on what your initial top up amount is, there is a charge to top up a percentage of how much you put on and a montly admin charge of about £2.50 and each time you use the card they charge you 20p. Its not ideal but it means I can still shop without having to carry lots of money around or if i want to purchase items online I still can. There are a few out there Im with EasyKard. Worth a look and no credit check required.

I have got a credit card at long last! The company is called Vanquis and they were happyto accept me. The interest rates are high but the trick is to pay it back each month. I got mine a few months ago and spent £50 a month on it for the first few months, each month I paid it back in full. They have now upgraded the credit limit and my credit score is getting better! Pay a credit card back for 6 months and your credit score improves. However, I also must add that my bank still won't give me a current account - I have been with them for 7 years, discharged from Bankruptcy for 3 years and still no joy! Any help with a current account would be gratefully received.

Hi. I have a cash card account with The Co-operative bank which has been good but they supply a Visa Electron card for which they charge you for every transaction you do. Sometimes £1.50 mostly £2.50 tho which is a pain in the backside.

Hi Tigger2, I was very surprised to read your post. We have had a Co-op cashminder account since our bankruptcy in March 2007. We also have the Electron debit card but have never been charged for using it. Have you checked with your bank why they are charging you ? it just doesn't seem right to me.

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Worlass

If anyone needs a basic bank account with a VISA ELECTRON CARD the CO-OP BANK will open an account for you even if you are bankrupt , i've found them very polite and helpfull wich makes a nice change these days, and when i'm discharged next month i will be staying with them. the big boy's can go and swivel.

I signed up for this website to reply to this,

I can Confirm what Walter has said above, i am a discharged bankrupt and opened a cashminder account today over the phone and it took five minutes, everything will be in the post to me within a few days.