Cant close an old account :(

Wammer

If you open a joint account with another person, either of you can withdraw all or part of the balance, write cheques, apply for an overdraft or close the account without the other person’s permission.


http://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/pdf/reward-current-account-guide.pdf

When I opened an account with the Halifax on Monday, they limited the amount I could transfer from an existing joint account as the new account was initially set up as a sole account and they wouldn't set it up as a joint account without a form being completed. They wouldn't let me transfer the full amount in the joint account despite the statement above.

I have just looked at the T&Cs of the Online Saver and 2 sections seem to contradict each other.

Section A states " We can accept the instructions or
signature of either or any one of you. For
example, either or any one may make a
withdrawal or close your account. If you
have a joint account and you tell us that
you only want us to accept instructions
from both, all or a set number of you (and
not just from one of you) both or all of
you must contact us."

However Section F states " If we open an account for you jointly
and you later wish to take someone off,
add another person to the account or
authorise someone else to operate the
account, you must all apply to do so."

This is what they say about accounts in dispute

" If we become aware of a dispute
between you, we may take steps to
prevent any of you giving instructions
or using the account individually until
the dispute is ended. If you have a joint
account and you tell us that you only
want us to accept instructions from
both of you (and not just one of you), for
example because there is a dispute you
cannot resolve, both of you must first
return to us your cards and any other
items we have provided. We may then
close your account and, if we choose,
offer each of you the opportunity to
open a new account in just one name."

OP, you will have to read the T&Cs of the account you opened.

MumOf2

Lloyds TSB joint accounts (either to sign) don't allow any party to remove their name without all agreeing. My former husband was infuriatingly awkward and delayed as much as possible until a court order forced him to agree to closing the account. Ridiculous that it had to be included in the order, but that was the nature of the man.

Think you'll have to find him. Good luck.

MumOf2

jediwalker

Thanks for the replies - havent been on for a few days, was surprised to find them all there!

The bank in question is Halifax - the account dormant for 10 years, with an 87p balance (not overdraft).

I must have spoken to 10 different advisors, with varying advice, from leaving it as it is, to get a solicitor - and sometimes the account was available for use, sometimes its on stop and not... so after almost an hour on the phone with the Halifax, numerous managers and a 'complaint' they finally agreed the account could be closed - Happy Days (and just incase - lesson learnt!)