Closing bank account - what information is required

PlainLazyX

Hello there!

I was working in the UK for 2 summers in a row and I needed a bank account to manage my payments etc. I am resident of another European country and I don't plan to come back to UK anytime soon, therefore I'd like to close my bank account remotely.

Only options I've found was to either do it personally at any local bank branch (won't work) or write a letter. I would most definitely opt for the second option althought I'm still not sure what kind of information is required to be put in such mail AND where it should be send.

I believe it needs to include personal information so names, address, bank account, perhaps user id that is used for online banking? Anything else like secret questions, card numbers, etc. will be required?

Thanks in advance!

Shakin_Steve

Ring your bank and ask. Easy.

[Deleted User]

Shakin_Steve wrote: »

Ring your bank and ask. Easy.

OP user name says it all for me

PlainLazyX

That's my last resort. My english is rather bad, I don't really like talking over phone and I feel some sort of anxiety about my spoken english on top of that, so I'd rather not force myself into that. I know I should and I try to speak at every occasion I have in person. I'm not phone-talking in english kind of brave yet.

Well, thanks anyway.

Sleazy wrote: »

OP user name says it all for me

Not related. It's my nickname since it actually was relevant long time ago. Now I'd rather consider myself a hard working dude. Especially lately. Still not comfortable with some of my demons though.

Shakin_Steve

PlainLazyX wrote: »

That's my last resort. My english is rather bad, I don't really like talking over phone and I feel some sort of anxiety about my spoken english on top of that, so I'd rather not force myself into that. I know I should and I try to speak at every occasion I have in person. I'm not phone-talking in english kind of brave yet.

Well, thanks anyway.



Not related. It's my nickname since it actually was relevant long time ago. Now I'd rather consider myself a hard working dude. Especially lately. Still not comfortable with some of my demons though.

Don't worry about your spoken English, the banks' call centres don't:rotfl:

grumbler

No "secret questions, card numbers" certainly.
Account number and the signature have to suffice.
If you don't want to phone, try e-mail or internal secure messaging.

MarkFromCornwall

PlainLazyX wrote: »

write a letter. I would most definitely opt for the second option althought I'm still not sure what kind of information is required to be put in such mail AND where it should be send.

Send to branch address on your statement or cheque.

<Your address>
<Today's date>

<Bank name>
<Bank branch address>

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please close my current account, number XXXXXXXX, sort code XXXXXX and send me a cheque for the balance.

Yours faithfully,
<Signature>
<Printed name>

Owain_Moneysaver

If you have any unused cheques, they will want them back.

If you have any bank cards, they may want them back - I'd suggest cutting in half across the chip and sending them half the card back.

PlainLazyX

MarkFromCornwall wrote: »

Send to branch address on your statement or cheque.

<Your address>
<Today's date>

<Bank name>
<Bank branch address>

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please close my current account, number XXXXXXXX, sort code XXXXXX and send me a cheque for the balance.

Yours faithfully,
<Signature>
<Printed name>

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

If you have any unused cheques, they will want them back.

If you have any bank cards, they may want them back - I'd suggest cutting in half across the chip and sending them half the card back.

It should do, yes. Thanks a lot!

jonesMUFCforever

If you are now living abroad you will not want a cheque for the balance?
Write the letter as above but include your overseas address IBAN and BIC and ask for the money to be sent as a SEPA international transfer.

PlainLazyX

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

If you are now living abroad you will not want a cheque for the balance?
Write the letter as above but include your overseas address IBAN and BIC and ask for the money to be sent as a SEPA international transfer.

There is single digit amount of money left on it and it's been laying on that account for couple years now. I will however include such information, as they will probably want to give me back my couple pounds, no matter how much was it.

Thanks for that reminder though!