help! hsbc won't let us make a joint account into single ones!!

sewbocushions

Hi,
Can anyone advise me please? My husband left me 3 weeks ago, so I want to make our joint account into a single one in my name as then I can keep on the DDs and S/Os etc. When I rang HSBC they said no problem, bring in a letter signed by both parties etc. So my husband went in Monday. They said he had to go to the main branch in town, so he did. They said come back the next day so he did. He said he wants a new account in his name. They said that because of our debt problems (we owe lots of money to credit cards, loans etc and have had an account with the CCCS to deal with this for 2 years) he can't get a proper account, just a really basic one with cashcard and cheque book - no debit card, so can't buy anything in a shop unless by cash or online etc. They said they can't take his name off the joint account unless we close it and then I will be stuck with a basic account, no debit/guarantee card either!! this seems so unfair! They said our credit with the bank is excellent, never been overdrawn in over 2 years, always paid the mortgage on time etc. but because of the other debts they can't do it. So does this mean we have to keep the joint account forever and he will be able to see and access it and see my finances?? I don't want to change my bank account. Why can't they just remove him from it? Has anyone else ever had this kind of problem or any suggestions of who to contact please??

daphne_descends

Basic bank accounts come with either a Solo or Electron card so yuo can buy things in shops as pay online.

Sorry but I think you're going to have to suck it up and get a new account if you don't want to use the joint account.

Is this really that big a deal?

sewbocushions

Do they? I didn't know that. Don't they cost you to put money on them though? No, it's not that big a deal in the scheme of things but just seems unfair that I have to lose my nice 'normal' bank account and go onto a basic one just because he wants to start a new life on his own! I don't know why the bank won't just remove his name from it.

squibbs25

My mums got a basic account with Lloyds (changed from halifax on advice from cccs) and she has been given a visa delta card.
I was under the impression that it should only have been a cashpoint card but they have def given the debit card with the basic account. (didn't believer her til i saw it LOL)

I know you dont want to change banks because of dd ect but mums new bank did everything for her and it all changed over smoothly.

Good Luck,
Squibbs

MrsTinks

Sorry but this is perfectly normal yes... whether or not we think it's fair it just the way it is...
Best of luck though and make sure you post on the DFW forum for any help you need with your debts

sewbocushions

thanks for the advice in the ones above, yes, i've resigned myself to this fact now. x

Krystaltips

When I first opened my bank account it was only a basic one but because I maintained it well, withing 12 months they sent me a visa debit card.