Can I switch banks to an account with a different name, or do I need to open a new account and transfer manually?
The other name is mine, to be clear! I changed my name earlier this year, I've been sending off documents, forms and originals as a part-time job for months and have a new passport, driver's licence, updated details with seemingly everyone (it's a great way to audit all the arrangements you have!).
But I have 3 current accounts (not loaded or anything, just did a bunch of those switching bonuses when I was younger and ran a business for a while!), and despite going through their process of filling in their forms and sending off original documents and supporting material in the post, each one of them told me I had to come into the branch to sort it out.
To be very honest, I can't be arsed and have better things to do than drive to 3 different banks during their opening hours. Thought it'd be easier and quicker just to open new accounts and transfer over.
But I have direct debits set up and would like to move them intact, although I could do this manually if I have to. So doing an account switch would be easier, but I don't know if that's possible if the new account is under a different (correct) name?
I will add I'm a little pissed off to be honest, I get the need for prudence, but I'm informing, not asking permission, I've told you this is my name and provided evidence, the government agrees, one or both of us are pedantically committing identity fraud (i mean not really but) by continuing to use my old name due to your outdated records!
Apologies, the thought of taking a day off to wander into 3 different bank branches without appointments (and they haven't told me to bring anything so who knows if they'll even be able to sort that out there and then) makes me all kinds of irrational!