Is it wise to switch bank accounts now?

rev_henry

Thinking of switching bank accounts, which I've been meaning to do for ages. However...we have recently got married (so my wife's name has changed, but is still her maiden name on the account) and moved house. We sent the forms off for the electoral roll when we moved in, but when the annual electoral roll form came through it still had the old details on it. So I don't know if we're yet on the electoral roll.

So should we switch now or wait a little longer? Would we be likely to be declined if we're not quite on the electoral roll? Our credit history is otherwise impeccable. And does my wife need to change her name with the current bank now? We were thinking of not bothering with all the paperwork that involves and just set up a new account in her new name, is that possible?

rev_henry

Anyone..??

rb10

You've got nothing to lose. If you are declined, just apply again in 6 months time.

There's no problem with your wife opening a new account in her new name, whilst keeping her maiden name on the old account. Just be aware that she won't be able to use the banks' switching service if the two accounts are in different names - she'll have to switch payment manually.

There's very little paperwork involved in changing name on a bank account. She just needs to take your marriage certificate into a branch, and they should be able to do it there and then.