Direct debits after name change

PennyL2

Hello, I’ve recently changed my name at the bank to my married name and I’m completely confused on if my existing outgoing direct debits will remain fine? 

Do I need to frantically call around and try and update my details or will my maiden name be fine if all other details have remained the same - sort code and account number. 

I just want to ensure my direct debits are all going to go out this month! 

Thanks! 

MattMattMattUK

PennyL2 said:

Hello, I’ve recently changed my name at the bank to my married name and I’m completely confused on if my existing outgoing direct debits will remain fine? 

Do I need to frantically call around and try and update my details or will my maiden name be fine if all other details have remained the same - sort code and account number. 

I just want to ensure my direct debits are all going to go out this month! 

Thanks! 

You can see all active Direct Debits in your online banking, where exactly depends on the bank. In theory the name on the account is only used for verification purposes at the point it is set up, after that it is irrelevant, but if you want reassurance then I would use your bank's secure messaging facility and get them to confirm. 

PennyL2

MattMattMattUK said:

PennyL2 said:

Hello, I’ve recently changed my name at the bank to my married name and I’m completely confused on if my existing outgoing direct debits will remain fine? 

Do I need to frantically call around and try and update my details or will my maiden name be fine if all other details have remained the same - sort code and account number. 

I just want to ensure my direct debits are all going to go out this month! 

Thanks! 

You can see all active Direct Debits in your online banking, where exactly depends on the bank. In theory the name on the account is only used for verification purposes at the point it is set up, after that it is irrelevant, but if you want reassurance then I would use your bank's secure messaging facility and get them to confirm. 

Thanks for a response! 

I plan to visit the bank today to double check with them as I forgot to ask originally due to managing a bored toddler accompanying me at the time I changed my name… 

I’ve scoured the internet but I can’t find confirmation anywhere from another person who has done this even though it’s a very common process. 

I guess I will update my post later if no one else beats me to the correct answer!  

PennyL2

Ok so for anyone in future having the same flap about the above. My bank confirmed below. 

A name change after marriage will not affect any existing outgoing direct debits - just ensure future direct debits are set up in the new name. 

So there’s no need to frantically change all your accounts payment details but you should still update your personal details when you can. 

triple_choc_chip

When you marry, you do not lose your maiden name, you just decide to use the married name.  Your bank will keep both names on record and will usually ask for a 2nd signature when you submit your marriage certificate and so they keep a picture on record of both maiden and married. Even years later, if you receive a cheque in your maiden name, you can still bank it.
I’m relying on this when my single premium bond from 1981 wins the million shortly because I wasn’t prepared to send NSandI my original marriage document for the sake of £10. 

Brie

fyi - you may have trouble if someone sends you money (or worse a cheque) in the wrong name. 

I haven't changed my name but I received a cheque a few years back with my first name and OH's surname.  Bank refused to deposit it into our shared account as it didn't have the name of the account holder.  They wanted me to bring in my marriage certificate as proof to change the name on the account - which I wasn't about to do as I hadn't changed my name!!!  In the end I went to a different branch who had no problem depositing it as it made perfect sense to them.  

Flugelhorn

Brie said:

fyi - you may have trouble if someone sends you money (or worse a cheque) in the wrong name. 

I haven't changed my name but I received a cheque a few years back with my first name and OH's surname.  Bank refused to deposit it into our shared account as it didn't have the name of the account holder.  They wanted me to bring in my marriage certificate as proof to change the name on the account - which I wasn't about to do as I hadn't changed my name!!!  In the end I went to a different branch who had no problem depositing it as it made perfect sense to them.  

I did the same, never changed by name but the odd cheque to Mrs T has been sent, bank had evidence that this was me ( I think they just took my word for it) - more recently I just used the machine paying in thingy and it pays the cheque in to my account