Thanks for the info but I am in a position now where I don't care what companies throw at me, thanks to 10 years of donkey government.

Luckily, by the end of this month I'll have moved abroad.

This wouldn't be Amber Select would it ?

I've just had them over the phone, I advised the A&L had shafted me again and I would ensure the funds for a subsequent DD claim next week.

Then he told me they will charge £20... I went ballistic and have cancelled the insurance.

Does anyone know the legality of their punishment fees ??

Barracad, thanks for the link, the only bank there that looks any good is the Coop but I kind of owe them a few thou

I have found a bank now, it's the National Bank of Fuz, all are welcome to make deposits there but withdrawals are frowned upon

I have not yet found a bank that will provide a basic account with a debit card, nor one with useable internet banking.

I know I can't get a current account anywhere.

My parachute account is with Lloyds TSB, a basic account. Big mistake, they only allow you to use their own cash machines and like the A&L you are not worthy to step foot inside a branch.

The internet banking allows you to look at your balance, can't even set up payees for transferring money around.

I know I need a good business account but I won't be getting one anytime soon

I went to Lloyds with someone who was " a good friend of the manager " .. expecting to be waived through the hoops and get a normal current a/c.

No such luck so rather than say " forget it" I allowed myself to be lumbered with an account with half the usability of my A/L account

I guess if I try for a Natwest a/c they see all the searches etc and ask why I need so many

So not really ready to send THAT letter to the A/L yet .

Hi, I just got my umbrella account set up but

it doesn't allow any online banking ( Lloyds TSB basic crap a/c ).

So time for a re-think.. I need to be able to pay creditors online, I need to be able

to recieve payments from clients online.. can't afford to have the account closed before I have another to replace it and the Ltsb just doesn't cut it. I will only use that for cheques coming in.

Once I've digested the FAQ I'll do the same, I too am looking for £102.00, I could go further as I've had an account with A&L for over 15 years.

Its only a basic cash account and the problems always arise due to them taking 8 working to days to clear cheques ( is it fair that current accounts only take 4 days ? )

Will open a thread when I start.