Unable to close a natwest account....

Trajal

Hi guys,

Latest fun problem is actually the culmination of me giving up after several years of trying.

Backstory:

I had a natwest account until 2007 when I moved to HSBC. I went to the Natwest branch on the Strand and closed the account the day I got my HSBC account confirmed.

I was angry that Natwest wouldn't give me any kind of credit facilities and closed my account, fully, asking if there was anything owing or likely to be owing or pending before I closed it as I wanted a completely clean break from them. I had never been overdrawn and had used the account for a few direct debits and standing orders only.

Somehow, perhaps delayed charges or penalties of some kind, the account managed to miraculously re-open and go into an unauthorised overdraft. From what I have been able to gather through some forensic examination of my credit file going back so many years, the charges, fees and penalties ramped up over time - to the point of owing several hundred pounds.

About 18 months ago I checked my credit file, and got in touch with Natwest asking them to remove these figures from my credit file. They had also registered defaults and late payments etc.

I recieved a letter stating that they didn't think there was anything wrong with what they had done but that they would cheerfully 'out of goodwill' remove what I claimed was incorrect information. Sure enough the default is gone.

However the account is still open. I have made so many calls to Natwest it's unreal, wasted hours of my time. I have sat in the branch in Birmingham for 3 hours while they investigated, only to be told they cannot help as it is a dormant account.

It is not a dormant account, it should be a blinkin' closed account! On my credit file I have a current account open, with all greens, which sounds great but it's not reflecting the truth and it seems stuck open.

A couple of months ago, I tried again, this time stating that I want compensation as the years of defaults on my file have clearly damaged my standing and forced me into positions of taking sub-prime credit whereas, but for the fact of that default, i should have been eligible for normal credit. Several hours of phone calls later I was promised a response.

Still nothing.

I'm sick of this - anyone know the best way to get this fixed? I'm considering just filing for damages at the queen's bench division or something but would really prefer not to have to mess around with the courts. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

Please note, while this is specific to a bank, it is entirely related to my credit file and that is why I have used this forum rather than the banking ones.

happy_bunny_2

You have to complain to Natwest. They have 8 weeks to resolve or you can go to FOS.

Sounds like you already complained in some respect.

Make a list of all relevent points and call the Financial Ombudsman Service. They will advise on what to do next. Can be a slow process, but sounds like it can't be much slower than Natwest.

Make a note of all time spent on this and cost of travel and calls etc. you should get some compensation if found in your favour.

CKhalvashi

I've walked into the branch to close two current accounts, and handed them a £10 note to cover £8-odd in interest, about 18 months ago. Job done.

This wasn't the branch the account was opened in, either (it was opened/held at a branch in West London, closed at a branch in Hertfordshire).

Sounds like a complaint needs to go in, and this needs to be looked at, as in my case, the account was left open for 3 days, then closed on day 4 (according to NW, and to the final statement I have from them)

CK

Trajal

happy_bunny wrote: »

You have to complain to Natwest. They have 8 weeks to resolve or you can go to FOS.

Sounds like you already complained in some respect.

Make a list of all relevent points and call the Financial Ombudsman Service. They will advise on what to do next. Can be a slow process, but sounds like it can't be much slower than Natwest.

Make a note of all time spent on this and cost of travel and calls etc. you should get some compensation if found in your favour.

This is very helpful thanks, I'd forgotten all about the Ombudsman Service!