Halifax switching mess!

RoryRory

Hello there, New poster looking for advice!

I applied for one of the Halifax Ultimate Reward Current Accounts on-line and was greeted at the end of the application with a welcome page along with my account number and sort code and a switch form so I typed my HSBC account details to switch over as they're my main bank, i was allowed to pick a switch date.

Account appeared in my online banking accounts almost immediately, but something happened and I had to phone up and use the AA insurance which is included with my packaged bank account and they told me there was a problem with my account and that all my benefits and account access had been restricted and to go into branch.

The day I went into branch the card arrived so I took the card and some identification into branch and I was informed that I was never accepted for the account due to further checks which were never mentioned on the acceptance page at this point which I also have a print screen of, a switch had never been done and I was told I didn't have to do anything in regards to my HSBC account as no switch had been processed. I withdrew what I deposited into the Halifax account and left.

4 Days later I used my HSBC card in a cash point and the card was swallowed I phoned HSBC and they inform me that my account was closed and switched over to halifax, I explained the situation to them and all they have done is point me in the direction to halifax.

So halifax have essentially closed 2 bank accounts done and one of which is my main one which my wage goes into, Do i have grounds to complain and even compensation considering I was switching to Halifax for the 100 pounds insentive and they still switched my account even though they declined me? Also they have sent me loads of information regarding my account and all these wonderful benefits I have although I don't have the account. It's all a headache to me!

Any Advice would be greatly valued!:)

planteria

i don't think there is anything you can do other than tackle the problem with Halifax.

thebritishbloke

I'd complain to Halifax in writing.

FYI, if you read the T&C's you'll probably find that you couldn't claim on the insurance even if you were accepted, until something like 14 days after the account being opened.

pinkdalek

thebritishbloke wrote: »

I'd complain to Halifax in writing.

FYI, if you read the T&C's you'll probably find that you couldn't claim on the insurance even if you were accepted, until something like 14 days after the account being opened.

You can complain in branch or via telephone or even e-mail, complaints do not have be done in writing. Once your complaint is logged you will get a reference number.
The benefits start the following day, once the account is open, and cease when closed or converted to a different acccount, or if you no longer reside in the UK. If you open the account mid-month your first fee is paid pro-rata. The 14 day is your cancellation and cooling off period, where you can cancel without paying any fees. The bank does reserve the right to charge you though if you had used any of the insurances within the first 14 days.

Simply you need to complain, if the bank offered you the account and you've switched and then they are now saying you cannot bank with them then they should have given you notice to then switch your Halifax account to another bank. I'd demand they open you an account and you get them to sort out all the switching and pay any charges you may have incurred to due failed direct debits to external companies e.g. Finance, car insurance, mobile phone bills etc.

RoryRory

Phoned them up and he basically said tough so now I'm waiting for a letter from them to escalate my complaint to the financial ombudsman. Just lucky I've left my barclays youth account open so I can get sorted.

GingerFurball_2

I smell a CIFAS marker.