Barclays refused joint account as we live too far apart, is this normal?

The_miser_2

My wifes Aunt has multiple accounts with Barclays (left by her husband who handled all the finances) and suggested that my wife become a joint account holder of one of her accounts so she could handle the bills, and day to day running of the household.

The Aunt doesn't do computers and will not deal with utility companies etc... by phone, so my wife has already had to put her name on all these accounts so she can deal with any issues.

They made an appointment with Barclays, all was going well documents & ID handed over and the chap they were dealing with disappeared into the back office for quite a long time, then the manager appeared told the Aunt, quite rudely, 'you have multiple accounts, I need you to sign this' and thrust a blank piece of paper at her.

My wife asked why and was told they had to check the signatures, the manager disappeared and left them waiting for about half an hour.

The first chap then came back and told them that my wife's name could not go on the account as she lives too far away, my wife asked him what he was talking about, and she was told that it was because she didn't live in London.

We live on the Isle of Wight, The Aunt lives in East London.

Can anyone tell me if this is normal for Barclays, do they have a policy of geographical exclusion on joint accounts?

I have never had this issue with any other bank.

We have always been under the impression that any two people can open a joint account irrespective of UK address as long as they are meet the bank's credit check criteria.

[Deleted User]

Not normal that I know of.
Do you need a joint account though?
Is POA not enough?

The_miser_2

No, the Aunt has mobility issues but is firmly compos mentis.
She has decided that this is what she wants.

My wife also has no wish to have POA over all the Aunts financials, so it would have to be limited and you can bet an irregular bill or expense would come up that would be outside of the scope.

As she does the shopping, pays bills and generally runs the household my Aunt decided giving her joint access to the day to day account was her preferred option, instead of my wife always paying from her own account then the Aunt paying her back, by cheque!

elsien

You can have POA while you've still got your marbles and just take over the bits aunt wants your wife to do - it doesn't have to be taking over the whole lot. And aunt needs to seriously consider having POA in place in case she does lose capacity - it's an expensive and long drawn out process otherwise.

In the meantime, can your wife look at third party bank mandate rather than joint account? Although this ceases to be lawful as and when the person loses capacity.

colsten

The_miser wrote: »

I have never had this issue with any other bank.

Isn't this the solution then? Use one of the banks that has allowed joint accounts regardless of where in the country the account holders live. Especially as it sounds as if your wife's aunt has had sub-standard service from Barclays.

Your wife and her aunt can set up the joint account elsewhere and then switch her Barclays account over, and potentially even pocket a switch bonus.

The_miser_2

Yes, we know this and preparations have been made for when the day comes.
And no, the Aunt is not interested in a third party mandate, these discussions have already been had and the decision made.

Thanks for the advice, but my question is about whether Barclays have any justification for refusing a joint account on the basis given by the manager, and what action we can take other than moving to another bank.

I was thinking along the lines of a complaint to the bank as a starter, as this may have been an arbitrary decision by the manager

sheramber

Would your wife meet this requirement ?
https://www.barclays.co.uk/current-accounts/bank-account/joint-account/

You’ll also both need to be UK residents with regular incomes or salaries that you can pay into the account.

mgdavid

The_miser wrote: »

........ my question is about whether Barclays have any justification for refusing a joint account on the basis given by the manager, ..............

AIUI Barclays can refuse any application for any account and don't need to give any reason at all. A business chooses who it does business with; who knows (or even cares) what their reasoning is. Life's too short to worry or waste time over it, just find another bank that will do what your aunt wants.

[Deleted User]

The_miser wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, but my question is about whether Barclays have any justification for refusing a joint account on the basis given by the manager, and what action we can take other than moving to another bank.

Yes, they have every justification, as it forms part of their criteria.

colsten

The_miser wrote: »

Y
Thanks for the advice, but my question is about whether Barclays have any justification for refusing a joint account on the basis given by the manager, and what action we can take other than moving to another bank.

I was thinking along the lines of a complaint to the bank as a starter, as this may have been an arbitrary decision by the manager

What would be the point in sticking with a bank that has so obviously disappointed, on multiple levels?

[Deleted User]

Is your wife also named on the utilities as an authorised contact or as a name on the account?

If she’s now the named account holder (or one of) then it’s likely these utility companies will start reporting on your wife’s credit file (for those that do) and any missed payments etc. will be recorded against her.