Why can't I remove my name from a joint account?

2520years

Hi All

I know I'm not perfect, but my credit score is 999 and I pay all my bills. So I was surprised when I was declined for a contactless debit card - I was told it must have been because it's a form of credit and I didn't qualify.

That got me thinking...

I've got a joint-account with a long-time zero balance with my ex-wife. Since we split she's become bankrupt.

So I rang the joint-account bank to say I don't want to be financially linked to a bankrupt, but they said she'd have to agree to close the account (she won't).

Does anyone have any ideas how I can convince the bank to let me sever the link? Surely I'm not the first to be in this situation.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks very much.

bryanb

They might agree to freeze the account.

2520years

Thanks, but I think I'd still be financially linked...

premierfella

If the terms state that both parties have to sign to close it, there really isn't an easy solution.

The suggestion to freeze the account is a sensible one - currently you have an account open that probably allows either of you to transact on it (even if only in theory).

Terms and conditions usually allow banks to themselves close accounts pretty much as and when they wish, but convincing them to do that when one of the joint account holders explicitly wants it to remain open would probably be very difficult.

glentoran99

Might be worth pointing out the bank that she is now bankrupt, might change their minds

DCFC79

Your not missing much by not having a contactless debit card.

2520years

I will ask them to freeze the account.

I can't believe I can be held in a bank account against my will though.

Could they do something if they wanted to?

jonesMUFCforever

A lot may also depend on whether the account is overdrawn or not.
If it has been closed (due to her bankruptcy) I would have expected them to have tried to get in touch with you.

Dobbibill

which bank is this account with?

their T&C's should tell you how you can close it.

Is there still a zero balance on it or has your ex put an overdraft on it?

she doesn't have to agree to close it, normally just both parties have to agree that they don't want the other named party on it. this can be done in writing by you both.

2520years

It's TSB.

It's been a £0 balance for years. She could make it overdrawn and I'd be partly liable even though we're divorced. It can't be right.

There must be a way I can remove my name.

pinkdalek

I'd complain to them.
There should be no reason why you can either not
a) be removed
b) the account closed.

The account is not overdrawn so the bank is not shifting a debt to a sole person.

They are more than happy to close "dormant" accounts when they have been inactive for a number of years.

If you are speaking to your ex wife then it's always worth talking to her about this, see if she would sign a letter saying either for it to be closed or you to be removed.