Closing account via letter tips?

vouch0r
vouch0r Posts: 205 Forumite
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in Budgeting & bank accounts
hi all,



I need to send a closure letter to 3 banks for current accounts... what details should i include or will : please close sort code and account xxxx , thanks, name be enough?

Sounds silly but im really not sure ... never done it via letter !
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Comments

  • YorkshireBoy
    YorkshireBoy Posts: 31,541 Forumite
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    Why not use the CASS to switch them to one or more of your existing current accounts held elsewhere?
  • Westie983
    Westie983 Posts: 5,213 Ambassador
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    vouch0r wrote: »
    hi all,



    I need to send a closure letter to 3 banks for current accounts... what details should i include or will : please close sort code and account xxxx , thanks, name be enough?

    Sounds silly but im really not sure ... never done it via letter !

    This is fine,

    I would put Dear [Bank]

    Re [Bank account details and name]

    Please accept this letter as my request to close the above account [enter sort code/account number]
    Please close and send closing balance including any interest due to my account [enter bank name and details]/or send me a bankers draft for the total amount to my address above. **delete as appropriate

    Thank you in advance

    Name.

    They may need to contact you if they don't have your signature on file but they will have the contact details on record, and ask you to close in branch. If they have signature then this above letter will suffice.

    Westie983
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  • jonesMUFCforever
    jonesMUFCforever Posts: 28,898 Forumite
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    It might be better if you can to do it in person. Most banks I deal with will close an account there and then.
    Sometimes a letter may trigger suspicion especially if they do not have an up to date signature to compare with.

    Or as someone else has already advised use the switching system to transfer them.
  • Chino
    Chino Posts: 2,029 Forumite
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    Westie983 wrote: »
    Re [Bank account details and name]
    ...
    [enter sort code/account number]
    ...
    [enter bank name and details]
    Why do you feel it necessary to state the account number and sort code three times? Once is enough. Repeating these details in a letter just introduces scope for making mistakes.

    The bank may charge for issuing a banker's draft.
  • mije1983
    mije1983 Posts: 3,665 Forumite
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    Westie983 wrote: »
    Re [Bank account details and name]

    Please accept this letter as my request to close the above account [enter sort code/account number]

    Please close and send closing balance including any interest due to my account [enter bank name and details]
    Chino wrote: »
    Why do you feel it necessary to state the account number and sort code three times?

    I read it as

    1. Name of account (XX Current Account) and OP name (Mr X)
    2. The actual a/c number and sort code
    3. The details of the account you wish the money to be transferred to.

    So not the same information 3 times.
  • huw01
    huw01 Posts: 338 Forumite
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    I usually just write on a bank statement that i want to close this account, please send me a cheque for the outstanding balance to my registered address. Never had a problem
  • colsten
    colsten Posts: 17,597 Forumite
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    YorkshireBoy wrote: »
    Why not use the CASS to switch them to one or more of your existing current accounts held elsewhere?
    A switch is the best alternative by a long way, particularly if you are able to bag a switch bonus. Even without it, you have the peace of mind that if someone sends you money to the old account, it will be forwarded to your 'new' account for at least 3 years.
  • ColdIron
    ColdIron Posts: 9,016 Forumite
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    Darling Fascist Bullyboy

    Please close my account xx-xx-xx xxxxxxxx and pay any residual interest into account xx-xx-xx xxxxxxxx or send me a cheque

    May the seed of your loin be fruitful in the belly of your woman
  • PeacefulWaters
    PeacefulWaters Posts: 8,495 Forumite
    ColdIron wrote: »
    Darling Fascist Bullyboy

    Please close my account xx-xx-xx xxxxxxxx and pay any residual interest into account xx-xx-xx xxxxxxxx or send me a cheque

    May the seed of your loin be fruitful in the belly of your woman

    This nails it.
  • Herbalus
    Herbalus Posts: 2,634 Forumite
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    ColdIron wrote: »
    May the seed of your loin be fruitful in the belly of your woman

    Belly? It's not going to be fruitful if they eat it.
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