Account could be closed without your knowledge (Barclays Bank)

Member Name: M. Edwards

Product:	Barclays Bank
Date:	13/10/09 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: If you are a big fish

Disadvantages: If you are small fry

I had a current account with Barclays for several years in a joint name. However, after my husband died in 2006 I changed this into just my name. As time went on I did run the account down and just left a small amount of money in it to keep it ticking over untill I made some financial decisions. When I did so I went into my local bank to sort out what I wanted to do only to find that without my knowledge they had closed my account. When I asked why and when this was done I was told I would have to fill in a form and apply through the BBA service to find my account. Reluctantly I did this and then waited almost 3 months before getting a reply telling me that despite extensive searches there was no account in my name. This annoyed and frustrated me as I had cheque books and statements all in my name. I was so upset that my daughter took up the case for me and with just one phone call to a Barclays number we were told straight away that my account did exist (so much for the BBA's help). Even so I still had to fill in another form and wait for a reply to that stating that although I cannot reopen my account they will deposit the money in an account of my choosing. So, I am currently waiting for that to appear in my other account. Although this was'nt a large amount of money I still feel that they did not follow the BBA's pledge which states that if you do not make any withdrawls or deposits within one year and the bank has not heard from you the bank will write at least once to the most recent address they hold for you to ask if you want to keep the account open. It may also make other attempts to trace you. This I dont think was done as I have not changed my phone number or address for over 20 years. Can you imagine how embarrassed I would have been had I written a cheque and have it bounce because I did not know my account had been closed.

Summary: Check your accounts regularly