to think this patronizing jobsworth was also being sexist?

[JaneS]

I went into the bank today with DH to set up a joint account in our married name (since people keep writing cheques to Mr and Mrs). I've banked with this place for years so they have me on the system, but this guy said he needed ID, specifically my passport. I explained I wasn't changing my name in my professional life, so my passport was staying in my name. He said we couldn't do this. I asked if it wasn't quite common for women not to change their names on marriage, and he claimed that it was very rare, and impossible to set up a joint account unless I had changed my name 'legally, on your passport'.

Then he grudgingly admitted we could have a joint account in my 'maiden' name and DH's name if we really wanted, but it would have to be DH's account with me added on as a 'second account holder'. Now WTF?!

We went to Halifax straight after and they had no trouble, told us it was routine and they'd set us up an account in both our names that listed me both as Ms DH'sName, and as Ms LittleRedDragon.

Now AIBU to wonder if the first (male) banker wasn't being a tad sexist, given the second person had no trouble sorting us out?

nickelbabe - oh, I see - you mean if your joint account was in the name J SMITH & R JONES when you were co-habiting, and still J SMITH & R JONES afterwards, who'd make you change it to J & R SMITH unless you actively tell them you're now married...?

I suppose for some people if they have some documentation in one name and some in another it can sometimes be hard to prove they are the same person. Which is back where this all started.

NickelBabe - Thanks you, yes. I was also being somewhat facetious ;)

UQD - People can call themselves what the hell they like as far as I, and the law are concerned. You don't need to wait to get married to change your name. At the moment everyone in our family has a different surname (daughter is double barrelled). We might change this in future if it gets inconvenient.

exactly.

I've never had a problem. I have a joint account with my husband in my maiden name, and a seperate account with the same bank in my married name, I have a debit card in my maiden name and a credit card in my married one.
I have a passport in my maiden name and a driving licence in my married.
Its not hard to prove who I am.

Exactly Bonnie!

Ah well ... it has been interesting on this thread, seeing how quite a few people think it was fine or just a bit lazy of the guy to do what he did.