Halifax Bank UK - Account Closed

[sasika99]

Halifax closed my account last year and failed to give any reasoning for the decision. I made a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman which was a waste of time. Someonew caled Peter from the service called me to tell me that there is nothing that they can do for force the bank to overturn their decision of closing that account nor can they ask for reasons to do so. Basically they are helpless in cases like this where innocent customers like us can do nothing. Ive spent money and time to make a complaint to hear them say that they can do nothing as the Ombudsman. Disappointing! Someone needs to do something as so many customer who have done no wrong are also getting penalised due to a few people laudering money.

Ive just had a call from the ombudsman saying that they are helpless and the banks are within their rights to do what ever they want with their customers (to do business with a particular customer or not)

[cryptofan5]

Banks are generally suspicious of everything new. If you had any bitcoin related transactions there, that may have spooked them.

[TheGull]

Unfortunately, banks are private company and they don't have any obligation to serve anyone or justify why they don't want to.

Exactly. Unfortunately we need them more than they need us, hence they have the power. Pretty ordinary way to treat customers though, especially customers who are doing nothing illegal or immoral and just happen to be interested in bitcoin. I had a similar experience with an Australian bank which prevented my transaction (transfer to an exchange) and then refused to even tell me why.

This highlights why we need this whole bitcoin experiment to live up to its promise - it is the only way we can kill these pr!cks running the show. Best part is I think we will succeed, unless the banks convince the regulators to clamp down...

[oceans]

That is pretty messed up I have to admit. It does look very poorly written though and with them no co-operating with you it does make you wonder. I would definitely get rid of this bank if I were you and move to someone else but ensure that any queries you have before opening a new account with another bank are asked before you take the plunge.

[trader001]

Are you using that bank account to send money to bitcoin exchange or selling bitcoin and taking deposit using the account?