Just wanted to share my experiences of 'Thinkbanking' if it helps. I was declared bankrupt some years ago, I opened an account at the Alliance and Leicester the day I was declared bankrupt, I was honest, the woman had to make a phone call, but they gave me a very basic account, I could have my wages paid in but because they use a roll number instead of an account number this invariably fails at the first attempt, the account had an ATM card and that was it, no DDs or internet or anything.
After I was discharged from bankruptcy I was anxious to get a more useful account and I searched around the internet, originally with the intention of using a service similar to the one that has been so heavily criticized (and praised), this was when I stumbled upon Thinkbanking, a gave them a call and they opened the account over the phone, I had the sort code and account number there and then which was useful as I had just started a new job and was anxious not to have to wait while the Alliance and Leicester unravelled another first wage payment.
Now its true there are cheaper ways of getting an account, but with no credit check I thought it was worth the £25(I think) set up. Its also been mentioned that 'you dont manage your own money' this is also true. Now I know its not the case for everyone but if you are reading this thread there is a pretty good chance you are rubbish at managing your money, I know I am, and in this respect this account has been a life changer for me. You know that feeling when you get to the cashpoint, gonna do a bit of shopping, maybe have a good night out, uh oh! wheres all my money gone?!, Oh rats I forgot that hadnt gone out yet, well you can say goodbye to that sinking feeling, because with this account it will never happen. Actually they give you 2 accounts, your wages go into Account A and all your standing orders are paid from this account too, so on payday they stick anything you dont need to pay standing orders into account B which you can access with the maestro card or over the internet, then they pay your standing orders as they come up and you never mess up. Okay they charge £12 a month for this, so it might not be for everyone, but for me it has really helped me get on track, and that works out less than than say 5 failed standing orders in a year, which I would be bound to have in regular account.
Other things I should mention... the money in both accounts is yours to do what you want with, when I was laid off last year I called 'Think' and cancelled all non essential Standing Orders and moved the balance they had ready to pay them over to my card account, they warned me to contact the comapanies concerned, but they still transferred the money straight away. They have a balance and last 5 transactions by text service which I use all the time, the staff are really amiable and friendly, although there is invariably a bit of a wait to get through.
Some people can fix cars, I cant, I have to pay someone to do it for me, some people can manage their money, I can't, I have to pay someone to do that too, for me they are worth every penny.
P.S. I have had my account for nearly 3 years now