Have just looked through the parachute thread and the ones that allow standing orders/DDs and give a debit card are NatWest Step and Co-Op Cashminder if that is any further help. I have applied for a NatWest one as I will need these facilities if I get my account closed and it is always good to have a back-up!

Nationwide - when I was having problems they were quite helpful and the account was ok and could be used online if I remember. It was their FlexAccount. I had more than a few defaults on my "normal" account at the time. Hope that helps.

That makes sense - thanks for your help!

I think my credit rating is better than what it was. I used to only get offered solo aco****s and now have a switch however most current accounts now request that you have a certain amount going into the account each month. I will look into this as I don't want to be caught out if First Direct close down my account. I suppose if I take on HSBC then the money gained from that will pay off First Direct's overdraft - hopefully! Thanks for your help

I'm not too sure about this but Citizens Advice might? Theoretically it shouldn't but having looked through some of the threads on here, some people have said that they have opened parachute accounts in case the banks close their accounts. However I asked for advice on claiming against First Direct when I also had a loan and credit card with them and someone replied that these were different contracts and therefore should not be affected. Which is good as I definitely cannot afford to pay back that loan just yet Hope this helps

Wow! Thanks for all your help. Seems like it can be done as long as you are organised and have the support of the CAG! Looking at your signatures makes you realise just how much money they make from us for very little effort. Obviously banks are businesses but the mark up is huge. I don't think I have any before the 6 year limit so that shouldn't be a problem for me. Any hints or tips from those who have trod before? I need to start right at the beginning for most of mine and send off letters requesting statements - did you address them to the Data Controller and did you send them Recorded Delivery or get Certificates of Posting? Having looked on the thread some people sent all theirs Recorded and some just sent first class. Thanks T PS Congrats!

Hi Have many people gone after more than one orgainsation simultaneously and if so how easy did they find it? I could go for upto 7 different organisations but don't want to end up confusing myself and was wondering if I should tick each off one by one. Start with an easy one and then move onto the biggies like HSBC. Alternatively I could be ultra organised and get different folders for each one and spend a lot of time on this. Just looking for any ideas, thoughts, opinions etc..... Thanks T xx

Thanks caro that makes sense but sometimes what is logical isn't what happens! Does a parachute account have to be a basic account or just another bank account with a company that you are not trying to reclaim charges from? I want to be sure what I am getting into before I start playing with the big boys! I have printed off the relevant FAQs and have started reading them.

Hi Just a query..... I used to have a HSBC account for which I would like to make a claim for the charges for. I have also had credit cards in the past that used HSBC that I would also like to claim charges for. However I currently have a First Direct current account, cedit card, overdraft and loan! (Yes, I am trying to get debt free!) I could also claim for charges for First Direct too. So, would it be better to wait until I have repaid these and opened a new account with a different bank before taking on HSBC? The loan is due to be paid off at the end of next year but I am hoping to pay it off before then. I am a little concerned that the law may change and I will not be able to claim against HSBC or First Direct. My credit rating is not so good that I can shop around for a different loan etc either. Thanks

Wow, I'm very impressed with how quick you answered! Thank you. Is this the same if it was a store card eg Next etc or would it be the bank they used. For example in my really bad old days I had a Harvey Nichols Card Would I make the cheque payable to the financial organisation they used or Harvey Nichols plc (or whatever it is)? Thanks. I am in the process of clearing my debts and fully intend to print everything out so I can read it during my lunch hours so I know the process and don't keep asking silly questions....

Hi I am considering reclaiming bank charges however i have not get statements back as far as I need. In the template library there is a letter entitled "Data Protection Act, Subject Access Request Letter - List of Charges". However I do have 1 question - How do you make the payment of £10? If it is a cheque who do you make it payable to? Thanks, and sorry if this is a stupid question