Switching Accounts - Can I still access old statements etc?

jauntyangle

Sorry if this is a hoary old subject, but I've never done a full bank account switch before.

As I understand it, the new bank transfers the cash and direct debits over, but does your old bank then close the account so that you no longer have access to Statements, account history, tax certificates and other documents?

I pay tax via Self Assessment so need these documents to prove income, interest etc; and for personal accounting.

Nebulous2

Yes - all of these are likely to be gone. You can always download what you need before the switch goes through?

Or you can switch a less important account.

My last switch was from Tesco and they contacted me offering several years worth of old statements in paper format. I declined the offer.

Ben8282

The account will be closed. You will have no further access to anything.

Umiamz

When I switched from Nationwide they sent me a separate URL that I could access to see my old statements.

Willing2Learn

If you no longer have access to your account, then I suppose you could always submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) requesting all relevant statements, account history, tax certificates and other documents...

PRAISETHESUN

In my experience you tend to lose access to online banking and statements, etc after you close an account, so make sure to download anything you think you might need beforehand. Otherwise, the bank will keep your old account records for some time after the account is closed, so you can always contact them after the fact to request replacement copies of any documents you need - some make it easier than others, but they will provide this information on request.

Fingerbobs

Umiamz wrote: »

When I switched from Nationwide they sent me a separate URL that I could access to see my old statements.

I had similar when I switched away from Santander, but the statements were only available for a limited amount of time following the switch.

GTR_King

Sometimes when you switch banks they will send you a copy of all your statements or send you PDFS Versions

born_again

If you need something from the old closed account. Contact the bank.
All details from closed accounts are kept for at least 6 years and more often than not a lot longer.