I know that the Woolwich offers a bank acct that you can have when you are made bankrupt. They don't credit score you for it but you wont get an overdraft or anythinglike that.

I was just curious. I believe that everyone has the ability to control their lives including their bank accounts. It just takes a little effort

Was just looking into new savings accounts and found this site too. Ha d a look its been quite interesting.

If you knew anything about banking you would know that you cannot set the frequency of a DD. You can only request a convenient date. Many time I hav been charged because a company took money from my account 48 hours earlier than they should have done. DDs are controlled by the companies and basically give them carte blanch to take what they want when they want. And the banks arent very sympathetic after the 4th or 5th occasion. I have had my bank account for 10 years. I called my direct debit providers and told them to always take the payment on the 23rd of each month. Not once have they ever taken the direct debit early. I think that you may have an issue with the direct debit provider as opposed to your bank. If they do not take it on the date agreed with you they are liable to pay any charges you get as a result

My firend used to work for the Woolwich and provided you weren't always being charged they would refund thee charge incurred. When my friend worked there it was 2 refunds a year don't know if it is still the same but it seems quite reasonable

I am astounded at the number of people who are writing on this site about being charged. Yes Banks charges are expensive but if you make sure you leave enough money to cover your bills then you wont get charged. Why don't you all set up your direct debits to go out of your account the day after you get paid then you wont get charged?! Who cares about the legality of the charges? If you run your account right you wont get them at all. I for one have only been charged once due to a mis calculation when i started new job. I rang my bank (Barclays) explained the situation they were really nice and refunded it for me. If banks eliminate or reduce the charges payable they will got rid of free banking. I for 1 certainly don't want to pay for every transaction on my account. It will be so much more expensive.