Closing Halifax Account

betwin123

Hi.

I have a very old account (a student account which now provides 0% interest) with Halifax but do not have a card to go with it.

So when making a withdrawal I have to go into the bank produce ID etc. They have advised me to upgrade the account and be supplied with a card but I have no wish to. (Not happy with the service provided at this branch with the long lengths of queues from mostly a young usually slow working members of staff some of who are very rude).

Instead I would prefer to just withdraw the 5 thousand put it with another bank account. When making withdrawals (usually about £1000) they tend to ask all sorts of questions and generally a difficult process (it seems they do not want me to withdraw my money).

I am just wondering how easy would it for me to just withdaw the total take it to another bank? I usually take my statement and driving license. Is it possible they can block it any way since I have no card with them?

Thanks.

Mikeyorks

betwin123 wrote: »

Is it possible they can block it any way since I have no card with them?

Dubious - and I can't see why they would want to. Just advise them you wish to close it ...... and they should give you a cheque. If you want cash - you'll need to give them warning as the normal daily limit is £1200

anamenottaken

betwin123 wrote: »

Hi.

They have advised me to upgrade the account and be supplied with a card but I have no wish to. (Not happy with the service provided at this branch with the long lengths of queues from mostly a young usually slow working members of staff some of who are very rude).

Of course, if you "upgraded" and obtained a card, you would be able to avoid the queues and staff by using an ATM.

opinions4u

betwin123 wrote: »

I have a very old account (a student account which now provides 0% interest) with Halifax but do not have a card to go with it.

Any particular reason why you have no card on an account that provides an ATM/debit card facility?

So when making a withdrawal I have to go into the bank produce ID etc. They have advised me to upgrade the account and be supplied with a card but I have no wish to. (Not happy with the service provided at this branch with the long lengths of queues from mostly a young usually slow working members of staff some of who are very rude).

Instead I would prefer to just withdraw the 5 thousand put it with another bank account. When making withdrawals (usually about £1000) they tend to ask all sorts of questions and generally a difficult process (it seems they do not want me to withdraw my money).

While in no way defending rudeness, your choice to operate an account without a card makes producing ID and answering a range of security questions absolutely necessary. It is not a "normal" way to operate any Halifax current account.

You say that they do not want you to withdraw your money, yet they always comply with your request. Are you suggesting they should just give any Tom, !!!!!! or Harry money out of your account without checking ID and asking a few questions to verify identity?

I am just wondering how easy would it for me to just withdaw the total take it to another bank? I usually take my statement and driving license. Is it possible they can block it any way since I have no card with them?

If your ID and security questions stack up, then they'll provide you with a bankers draft - payable to yourself - for no charge. After withdrawing the bulk of the balance, ask to close the account. This will take 7-14 days to complete.

Alternatively, if you have online access, you should be able to transfer funds to an alternatve bank via your keyboard.

I just find you methods of operating the account strange.

More importantly, what are your plans for your £5k? Have you decided what you're going to do with it? Cash ISA? Easy access saving? Tie it up for a year or two in order to get a higher return? Sites like www.moneyfacts.co.uk can lead you towards the market leading interest rates.

betwin123

opinions4u wrote: »

Any particular reason why you have no card on an account that provides an ATM/debit card facility?

About 3 years ago had an overdraft facility with them with £100 owed. Did not use the account much to the point it was dormant for about a year. So they sent numerous letters asking for the outstanding balance back. Ignored these letters being carefree and totally complacent with finances at the time. Sent threathening bayliff letters and withdrew card. Immediately paid the outstaning balance off.
Since my credit rating was poor at the time could not open many accounts I believed. So started making regular payments into the account and generally taking a more pro active action with finances to improve rating. After about 6 months with several thousand in the account was recommended to change the account by member of staff. So sat for 30 minutes completing the process only for the automated system to decline the application.

opinions4u wrote: »

You say that they do not want you to withdraw your money, yet they always comply with your request. Are you suggesting they should just give any Tom, !!!!!! or Harry money out of your account without checking ID and asking a few questions to verify identity?

No they should be very rigorous with these checks. Some members of the staff have provided first class service while being stringent to ensure everything is above board and in order. A few members of the staff have been very rude and patronising. Yes checks do need to be made but why treat someone like a criminal, after all the customer is always right. Just a case of employing people who are lacking customer service skills.

Yes it has been. Thanks for recommending the site will look for options available.

opinions4u wrote: »

I just find you methods of operating the account strange.

More importantly, what are your plans for your £5k? Have you decided what you're going to do with it? Cash ISA? Easy access saving? Tie it up for a year or two in order to get a higher return? Sites like www.moneyfacts.co.uk can lead you towards the market leading interest rates.

withnell

betwin123 wrote: »

Some members of the staff have provided first class service while being stringent to ensure everything is above board and in order. A few members of the staff have been very rude and patronising.

Sounds like pretty much any company I've ever dealt with - I'm sure you'll find just as many cashiers you don't like the attitude of in any other bank