Although not all banks will provide basic banking facilities to undischarged bankrupts some banks do state that they will.
It is important to advise the Official Receiver that you have opened a basic bank account when you have your interview with him/her. Often the Official Receiver will not instruct the bank to close the account although the bank themselves may well take this decision themsleves.
If your intention is to petition for bankruptcy and you are in the process of applying for a basis bank account it is often advisable to be honest with the bank about your intentions. The bank may well be satisfied with this and will be aware that you have been honest and open with them from the outset of your relationship.
There are currently 2 banks that state that they will provide basic bank accounts to undischarged bankrupts.
The opening criteria is declared in an FSA information publication entitled "Basic Bank Accounts - Your Questions Answered" In this publication the Co-Operative Bank and Barclays Bank state that only a 'record of fraud' should prevent an individual obtaining access to their basic bank account facilities.
Online links to each of these 2 accounts are provided below:
You may also wish to consider a Pay As You Go MasterCard to provide access to an international payment platform. The Cashplus MasterCard is the leading prepaid card and there are no credit checks involved in the application process. This card is available to undischarged bankrupts.
If you would like to consult with a bankruptcy specialist before you go bankrupt, consider using the Bankruptcy Assistance Service.
