Does anyone have a HSBC joint account?

[fluffymonkeys]

I'm having issues with them. Me and DH are finally merging finances after being together for 15 years (long story I won't get into but it's not very interesting!).

I'm trying to cancel existing direct debits for things which usually go out of my personal account, such as a loan, and re-set up the direct debit to come from our joint account.

The personal loan in question is with HSBC and I just want to cancel the DD from my personal current account and set up the DD to come from our joint account. I've spoken to HSBC on the phone and they are adamant that I can't set up any direct debits to come from this account unless DH is present and can approve it.

It's driving me insane as A. DH is sure that we set it up (years ago I must admit) so either of us can solely approve things like this. And B. My DH works irregular hours, 7 days a week, so there's never a time we are together and can call or go into a branch.

I've spent ages googling and everything I've read says either person should be able to solely approve direct debits and payments without the other persons permission. I can't find anything in any T&C's I have read.

Does anyone know if this is standard with HSBC joint accounts?

I set up direct debits all the time on our joint account. Doubt DH even knows about half of them, he just leaves me to it.

Same as PP - never been an issue for me

Maybe it’s because it’s a loan in just one name?

I have a loan in my sole name coming out of an HSBC joint account (also HSBC). I set it up on within last 12 months. Never had an issue.. it has always been that account though, not a swap over.

I'm not even married to the other person anymore. We are divorced. I just can't be arsed to close the account as it requires us both to be present and neither one of us can stand the other. Been like it years.

I've had a joint account with them for over 20years and I can definitely set up Dds on my own. I have to say that HSBC is pretty atrocious when it comes to solving problems. I had a total nightmare just opening accounts for my teens. Tbh I'd be very tempted to ditch them all together for a better bank with better service!

Are you sure your account hasn't accidentally been set up as two to authorise? This is common with business or charity accounts and means both people have to agree each decision, rather than each of you being able to bind the other person. Might be worth checking.

That's a good point on 2 signatures

Thanks everyone! It's just a bog standard joint account and DH is sure we set it up so either of us can create direct debits etc. It's very frustrating!

I'll give them another call and see what they say...

Also just to add to this, another two companies I cancelled direct debits with have confirmed set-up of the new dd from our joint account today