Switching from Nationwide to 1st Direct

NJB62

I have recently switched accounts as outlined above (see Title).
However, 1st direct only switched my Flexaccount, despite their knowing that I had two 'splintered accounts' (i.e. an e-account and a Loyalty Account that were credited via the Flexaccount).
Thus the splintered accounts remained open. So, how to close these interest bearing accounts? By going into the branch and withdrawing the money? Yes - but not completely.
I was told by a member of (N'wide) staff that despite their being a zero balance on the accounts, they remain open and that I will have to open another Flexaccount to fully close them.
Can any forumites explain why? This seems like madness to me:(

badger09

NJB62 wrote: »

I have recently switched accounts as outlined above (see Title).
However, 1st direct only switched my Flexaccount, despite their knowing that I had two 'splintered accounts' (i.e. an e-account and a Loyalty Account that were credited via the Flexaccount).
Thus the splintered accounts remained open. So, how to close these interest bearing accounts? By going into the branch and withdrawing the money? Yes - but not completely.
I was told by a member of (N'wide) staff that despite their being a zero balance on the accounts, they remain open and that I will have to open another Flexaccount to fully close them.
Can any forumites explain why? This seems like madness to me:(

When you use the CASS (switching service) only the specified current account is switched.

I've successfully closed several savings accounts with Nationwide through a secure message.

Rich2808

When did you have to have a current account with NW to have a savings account anyway - bar those linked directly to having one like their flexclusive regular saver. The loyalty and esaver are just ordinary savings accounts aren't they?

Does it matter anyway having savings accounts with zero balances - they aren't credit accounts.

Archi_Bald

NJB62 wrote: »

I was told by a member of (N'wide) staff that despite their being a zero balance on the accounts, they remain open and that I will have to open another Flexaccount to fully close them.
Can any forumites explain why? This seems like madness to me:(

There might still be some interest due on your savings account. When you close it, they need to pay that interest somewhere, and it looks as if it must be a Nationwide current account.

EarthBoy

Rich2808 wrote: »

When did you have to have a current account with NW to have a savings account anyway - bar those linked directly to having one like their flexclusive regular saver. The loyalty and esaver are just ordinary savings accounts aren't they?

The e-saver required a FlexAccount to operate it. You could only pay money in and out by transfers from and to a FlexAccount.

NJB62

EarthBoy wrote: »

The e-saver required a FlexAccount to operate it. You could only pay money in and out by transfers from and to a FlexAccount.

Exactly, and this applies to the Loyalty Account. I awaited the interest and withdrew it at the local branch.
My e-saver will be credited (with oompance) interest at end-March. Surely, I can take the same action as I did the Loyalty Account - the N'wide will regard the accounts as at a nil-balance and (after a time) dormant, in which case they'll close them anyway?

Having a new Flexaccount, with its cheque-book et al seems ridiculous.

Perhaps I should just cancel the appointment that they have arranged?