Closing an empty joint current account

Mike12421

Hello everyone,

I just had a quick question I really hope someone can help me with.

I have a joint current account with an ex whom I have not spoken to in a while.

The account is with HSBC and is empty with nothing owed. It has been like this for well over a year.

I want to close this account as I do not want any unnecessary accounts in my name. I spoke with HSBC in order to close the account however I was told both my ex and I have to sign a form. The problem is that I have not spoke to her in sometime and wanted to avoid any contact.

Is there any way I can close the account? It's just simply a dormant account.

Regards,
Michael.

jonesMUFCforever

Write a letter to the Customer services at HSBC explaining the situation.
Most banks have a similar rule but the loophole most staff don't understand is that most joint bank accounts operate on an EITHER to sign basis - meaning either party can transact on an account. One party can apply for an overdraft so why can't one party close the account?
Worst case scenario is that they won't close it but put it into dispute - meaning neither of you can transact on it. After 3 years it will become dormant.
Hope they see sense and close it for you.

Dobbibill

Maybe provide them with ex's contact details and ask bank to contact them on your behalf to request closure.

Easier method would be for ex to put in writing closure request too, do you not speak to ex at all?

System

The OP obviously doesn't wish further contact with the ex.

The bank should close the account down if you put the request in writing, otherwise lodge a formal complaint and you should find the customer relations team arrange to close it

Dobbibill wrote: »

Maybe provide them with ex's contact details and ask bank to contact them on your behalf to request closure.

Easier method would be for ex to put in writing closure request too, do you not speak to ex at all?

Mike12421

Thank you to all who offered advice.

I will put my request in writing and hope HSBC see sense.

grumbler

Mike12421 wrote: »

...I spoke with HSBC in order to close the account however I was told both my ex and I have to sign a form.

Tell the idiots to read the Part D of their Terms and Conditions

Part D
22. Joint accounts
22.1 . Unless this conflicts with another authority given in writing on the joint account, and until any one of you cancels this authority, you authorise us to:
• ...
• accept instructions signed or given to us by any one of you to act on behalf of you all in all other transactions with us, including ... closing accounts in your joint names, .... For such purposes, instructions may be in writing or any other form we accept and may be given by any means or through any media we accept and on such terms as we may tell you.

Mike12421

Thank you Grumbler, that's just what I needed.