Closing Dormant Halifax Easycash Account

BigBlueSky

I have a Halifax Easycash account that I opened probably 15 years ago that hasn't been used for some time.

I can still login to the account online but I get a message 'This account has been inactive for over three years and needs to be reactivated'.

I've previously tried phoning them and they want me to go into a branch with ID etc in order to do anything - even close it.

Does anyone know if there is any other way to get this account closed (there is only £1 in it) without having to visit a branch with ID ?? - It seems strange that this is being requested in the current climate especially when I never had to do this to open it in the first place.

1882

I also have this account but with £0 in it and would have closed it years ago had it not been so awkward.

BigBlueSky

Yes, every few years I remember about this and then find it too much of a faff I end up giving up and leaving it.

BrownTrout

i spent about 10 minutes in a branch closing one of these, pain

masonic

Can't you just upgrade it online to a full current account and then use CASS to get rid of it, preferably picking up a switching incentive along the way?

jimpwarsop

They send a statement every year, the account has 7p in it.

I phoned but they couldnt close it, so I get a statement every year.

BigBlueSky

masonic said:

Can't you just upgrade it online to a full current account and then use CASS to get rid of it, preferably picking up a switching incentive along the way?

I don't think this would be possible with it being dormant, but I would love it if that was an option.

Does anyone know if this is possible ?

masonic

BigBlueSky said:

masonic said:

Can't you just upgrade it online to a full current account and then use CASS to get rid of it, preferably picking up a switching incentive along the way?

I don't think this would be possible with it being dormant, but I would love it if that was an option.

Does anyone know if this is possible ?

Best thing would be to try it and see. Go to Apply -> Upgrade your current account and see if it is listed. Even if you can't upgrade it, it may be worth trying a switch - the lack of an active debit card may prevent it, but no harm in trying.

BigBlueSky

Thanks, itt is giving upgrade as an option so that might very well do it. 

Might give that a try or the switch you suggest.  Are you referring to a switch to a new bank as part of the application process, or is it possible to do a switch to an already open account?

Thanks 

colsten

You can switch to any open account, as long as it is with a different bank.

You can also switch with a switching bonus - Virgin Money are still offering their case of wine, I believe. Or you can wait and see whether other switch offers become available once the lockdown is over. Seems a shame to forego the £100 or so your old account is worth.

Or, if you can indeed upgrade your account, you could potentially make it a Halifax Reward, and benefit from their monthly fivers for a year.