Sort code not recognised bank details invalid

realaledrinker

I had problems around the time HFX moved to Lloyds systems with a new sort code which sorted itself out over time.

I have several accounts with HFX and most - incl. 3 Reward accounts including the wife's - have the sort code of the nearest geographical branch, even though they were all opened on-line. A bit surprised therefore that you seem to have quoted a central sort code?

jfh7gwa

pqrdef wrote: »

If they don't do this, then they're knowingly issuing their customers with accounts and cards that they're going to have trouble with. And they seem to think "not our fault" is a good enough excuse.

Exactly.

Why is the OP having to go to so much trouble to find out what the problem might be here?!

Halifax should take note of the problem - the OP has enough information to go on - and investigate / take ownership of the problem. Seems like a foreign concept to some bank employees.

(Perhaps because their internal training is crap, maybe something to do with their workload, maybe to do with the weak remuneration customer-facing staff get - whatever the problem is, it isn't the customer's problem at the end of the day.)

That's exactly what drives people towards banks like First Direct (I'm not a customer of theirs but the more I deal with normal high street banks I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I have nothing to lose by actually trying a bank with no real branch network!).

sgaorishal

Thanks for the above replies. It's clear there is a problem that Halifax should recognise and at least acknowledge but they refuse to do so!!

spends2much

Hi sgaorishal

Did you ever get this resolved with Virgin as I have just encountered the exact same problem? I tried to get them to override the system but she has had to email the info to her manager!?

custardy

sgaorishal wrote: »

I have recently opened a new Reward Current Account with the Halifax. I've had trouble with some companies unable to pay money into it. topcashback.co.uk say the bank details are invalid and another company says the sort code is not recognised. I've used an online sort code search and the sort code Halifax have given me doesn't come up with a branch but when I entered several other sort codes they have all come up with a valid branch.
I have telephoned Halifax but they insist there is no problem and seem unable to help. There is definitely a problem butb I don't know how to go about sorting it. Any theories out there?

Funny,I have the same with Virgin Media
won't allow me to set up a DD on my BOS Reward Current Account
BOS says its fine
keep meaning to try shifting a DD from another account to test

CKhalvashi

I've had somewhat the same problem with HFX. It resulted in accounts being closed within a month of them opening them/transferring everything over, as DD's refused to go out.

Sort codes don't have to relate to any one physical branch (my HSBC company ones don't), but they should be working normally if they don't.

CK

pqrdef

Hey Mr Banker

Why not try this. Before you start issuing a new sort code to real customers, actually test that you can send money to it from all the other major banks. Yes, have test accounts at other banks and log in and send yourself money. It's not hard. I'll do it for you for a small fee.

And if the test fails, well you won't just start using the new code anyway, will you?

rb10

pqrdef wrote: »

Hey Mr Banker

Why not try this. Before you start issuing a new sort code to real customers, actually test that you can send money to it from all the other major banks. Yes, have test accounts at other banks and log in and send yourself money. It's not hard. I'll do it for you for a small fee.

And if the test fails, well you won't just start using the new code anyway, will you?

A better idea would be for the other banks (HSBC being one) to update their systems in line with the APACS guidance.

System

When I opened an account with metro Bank I had a similar problem with a couple of utility companies. The worst offender was Virgin Media - they refused to accept my sort code was valid. I never did get them to accept my direct debit, had to pay from another current account.

The other company was Anglian Water - it took them over 6 months to be able to set up a direct debit for me.

It really isn't rocket science to make sure your databases are regularly updated. I have nearly 20 direct debits and only these two comapnies had any problems at all.

dalesrider

jfh7gwa wrote: »

Halifax should take note of the problem - the OP has enough information to go on - and investigate / take ownership of the problem. Seems like a foreign concept to some bank employees.

But the problem is not with Halifax, and there is nothing they can do to resolve it.

The problem lies with the companies who are telling the OP that the sort code does not exist... Well clearly it does if the OP has been provided it by halifax and is entering it correctly.
They need to stop blaming the bank and TAKE OWNERSHIP of the problem with THEIR systems.

Halifax staff will know a dammed sight more than the retailers staff, when it comes to issue like this.
So the staff at the retailer need to raise the issue up their chain till it finds someone that actually knows what to do.... Not simply say "Oh its the banks fault"...:mad: