Bank account in maiden name, cheque in married name

Carlakoala

Ok people what do you advise in this situation:
A cheque has recently been issued to me on the maturity of an old endowment policy. It has been issued in my married name as in a rush of enthusiasm 12 years ago I thought I ought to get some of these policy names changed to reflect new status. I did not though change my bank account ; it is still in my maiden name. I like the uniqueness of it and and I known in business by that surname. Took cheque - it is a decent sum - to bank today along with marriage certificate. No, sorry they said, they (Halifax) only accept marriage certs on names for 6 months after marriage. The only options they gave are: go back to the insurers and request a new cheque in maiden name. Have tried that - no they say. Change bank account to married name- hhmm well, what would the knock on affect be - would all credit cards, direct debits etc also have to be changed too.. Thought about another bank for just married name but they will likely need at least 2 pieces of ID in married name - dont have that - passport in maiden name. Any advice - husband suggests setting up joint account at my bank in married names for this cheque to clear - will they want more proof of my married ID though. head hurting now. any guidance please.

missbiggles1

I'd complain and take it higher with the Halifax. I had this situation with the Nationwide and they took a copy of my marriage certificate, made a note on my account and I was able to pay cheques in either name.

It's quite common now for women to use both names and you may just have spoken to a jobsworth.

tea_lover

How specific is the cheque? Is it Mrs X, or Jane X? If the former, does your husband have any trustworthy relatives who could pay it in then transfer the money?

I did that (but the other way round) when I had a cheque in my maiden names many years after I'd changed my bank account. My mum paid it into her account then gave me the money.

TBagpuss

I agree with the suggestion to take it higher at your bank.

Beckyy

I would go back to the bank and ask to speak to the manager.

katglasgow

We have a simple cash card savings in joint names purely for the purpose of cheques in joint names etc... there's no credit facilities in the account so really easy to set up.

Carlakoala

missbiggles1 wrote: »

I'd complain and take it higher with the Halifax. I had this situation with the Nationwide and they took a copy of my marriage certificate, made a note on my account and I was able to pay cheques in either name.

It's quite common now for women to use both names and you may just have spoken to a jobsworth.

Thank you - the `money laundering' line is being used for all sorts of added layers. They said that having two named bank accounts is illegal - hmm well. I am working out how best to fight the battle/work the system.

Carlakoala

tea_lover wrote: »

How specific is the cheque? Is it Mrs X, or Jane X? If the former, does your husband have any trustworthy relatives who could pay it in then transfer the money?

I did that (but the other way round) when I had a cheque in my maiden names many years after I'd changed my bank account. My mum paid it into her account then gave me the money.

We did think that - unfortunately Mother in law' initial is not the same as mine - never mind

Carlakoala

katglasgow wrote: »

We have a simple cash card savings in joint names purely for the purpose of cheques in joint names etc... there's no credit facilities in the account so really easy to set up.

Yes, this is an option that could be useful in the long term anyway in so far as this situation arising again. I will look into this as a long term solution. thank you

peachyprice

Could your husband use his ID to open a joint basic savings account or add you to one of his existing accounts, preferably at a different bank?

Carlakoala

peachyprice wrote: »

Could your husband use his ID to open a joint basic savings account or add you to one of his existing accounts, preferably at a different bank?

Yes this is an option we are going to look into. thank you