Friday, July 16, 2010

Changing Bank Accounts

Banks and building societies are there to serve their customers, not the other way round. If a customer is unhappy with their service, he or she is quite at liberty to change. However, this should be done carefully and in a definite order if there are not to be difficulties in the future.
Opening a New Bank Account

It is not a good idea to close the original bank account until the new one is up and running. The customer wants to be sure that everything is working well with the new account before changing the original one. This is most important!

It is very easy to open a bank account. It can be done at any branch of a bank, and these days it is even possible to open a bank account online. This should be done first.

Sorting Out Direct Debit Payments, Standing Orders and Salary Payments

The next thing to do is transfer all regular payments to the new bank account. Almost all British banks and building societies produce special packs which allow customers to automatically transfer direct debits and standing orders. This should only involve filling out a form. The customer will then need to contact their employer’s payroll or accounts department to have their salary paid into the new account.
Request an Immediate Overdraft Facility

Even for those customers who do not think they will use it, it is sensible to arrange an overdraft facility as soon as possible. Going overdrawn without permission can be expensive, but it will be much cheaper if one has an arranged overdraft. It can be treated as insurance in case the customer inadvertently becomes overdrawn.
Keep Both Accounts for Three Months

It is a good idea to keep both accounts up and running for approximately three months. During that time the customer can check that all automated payments in and out of the new account are being made. He or she can also arrange online banking if required, and any other bank account features that are offered or might be required. If possible, keep enough money in the old account to make payments if any of the transfers go wrong, but this should not be a problem, and the bank should sort things out if it is not the customer’s fault. At the end of three months, if all is running smoothly, it should be fine to contact the old bank and close the account.

SOURCE:
http://personalbudgeting.suite101.com/article.cfm/changing-bank-accounts

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