No access to joint account

[Momentumista]

H and I have 2 joint bank accounts.

I have access to neither.

One of the banks was really unhelpful when I asked for a replacement card and asked me loads of security questions about what went in / out. I couldn't answer as I never see this bank statements! That was the end of that. I also had to stand in public place next to queue using their direct link phone which i thought was crap.

Bank in question is Barclays.

Any idea how I can progress this? You'd never think it to hear abusive H (& bank) but as it is joint account I have as much right to money as he does.

I left bank feeling pretty humiliated and upset.

[Momentumista]

lovewine - no he just moved into the back room.

He will then pass me on the stairs and randomly say 'hi darling' as if nothing is wrong.

But if I attempt to talk to him he just shuts down. Even with him being out of the bedroom although still in the house, I feel so much better and happier to have just a little bit of my own space.

[Lovewineandchocs]

So sorry to hear this OP echoing what others have said, take as much photo ID and proof of address as you can into the bank. I think you said the other day that you had told your husband to leave and he was packing his stuff-has he actually left?

[Whyiseverynameinuse]

Hi OP. I was in a similar situation (no £, emotionally and financially abusive OH etc). I went to Refuge, got some free legal advice and then went to recommended solicitor. I then applied for a legal loan and used that to obtain court orders to get partner out of house. Legal loan will be repaid upon divorce settlement.

It took a while and was v stressful but it worked and now my dc and I live in an abuse free home. Hope you can do something similar. Good luck - it's an awful situation but support is out there to help you

[Coffeethrowtrampbitch]

Does dh get statements delivered to the house? Could you nick one?

Or does he use online banking on a laptop or PC, if he does you could install a keylogger to obtain his information. I would never normally recommend this, but he is abusing you and you have a right to information about your joint account.

If you just need money for a lawyer, go into another branch with your passport and all of you can muster and say you've lost your card can you make a cash withdrawal with your id?
Most banks allow this as you've provided ID, H will find out though if you do it this way. You could try and hope he chalks it up to fraud but it may put you in danger if you do this, so you'd have to be sure you were doing it right before you saw a lawyer to avoid the fallout.

Good luck, I really feel for you and I hope you can get away.

[Allthewaves]

Would the acount show up on your experian credit record? If it's does would the account number be there?

[mummydawn07]

I agree with others, take in as much ID as you can get together and photo ID, and see the manager if you have too. good luck and I hope you get out of your abusive relationship

[footballmum]

Do you work? Are your wages, tax credits or child benefit paid into your joint account? If so, arrange to have them paid into your own personal account which he can't get access to. You can then pay in your contribution to the household finances and if you've any left over can use that towards your "escape fund". Good luck OP

[GoneGirl1234]

Can only echo what posters above have said, if you take ID (usually banks want photo ID if you don't know the account number, but try with the debit card & statement from another bank first) & say you've lost your card and account details.

See if you are able to order a replacement card to be delivered to the branch rather than your home address? (So husband doesn't see post and keep it).

Good luck with everything.

[CauliflowerSqueeze]

Go in with all the ID and give it a try. If you can't get any further then ask for support from solicitor.

[Daisyfrumps]

No, that shouldn't matter - I think they can call up all accounts registered by inputting your name & address but not completely sure.

[GlitterGlue]

Not in my experience. If you've lost your card you've lost the number. They just searched my name.

[Momentumista]

Good point Glitter!

Will it matter if I don't know the account number?

[Momentumista]

In the desert - that is rubbish - what a nonsense!!

[GlitterGlue]

That should be fine. I had to do this as I always fail the questions on my own account. How the hell is anyone supposed to know the third from last transaction?

Tell them you want a financial review and they won't be able to get you in a room quick enough.

[Momentumista]

If I go into the branch with ID and proof of address from another bank account which I have in my name only that should be enough? I have no clue what he spends on this 'joint account' or even what is paid into it. I have no idea how much he earns.

[InTheDessert]

Trouble is, the banks hands are tied. They need to know you are who you say you are (tho how the last spend on the account helps, I have no idea? I failed this test when I replied "about £70 in Tesco yesterday" the answer was £68.93 in Tesco yesterday, and there is no way I track DHs spending).
Anyway, the answer is ID and a trip to the branch, I'm afraid. Do you think you will be able to get your hands on letters and ID to prove to the bank you are entitled to access the account? Would a branch further away be any better, or even possible?

Please stay strong. You will get through this, and end up in a better place for both you and DS. Start collecting paperwork and evidence and store somewhere safe.

[DailyFail1]

Barclays will help you. Bring ID, explain the situation, demand to see a manager if you have to.

[eurochick]

Go into a branch with passport, driving licence, anything else you have to prove your name and address. You should be able to sort it that way.

[Daisyfrumps]

Make an appointment with the branch manager and bring as much ID and address proofs as you can - dated recently. If your local branch isn't helpful you can visit another?

[AnyFucker]

The banks hands are tied, it would seem. Not the cashier's fault and it isn't their responsibility to understand your abusive situation

Ring Women's Aid and keep that appt with the solicitor. Some solicitors will defer payment until you have your divorce settlement.

[Manumission]

Complain in writing. Or get your solicitor to do so.

[Momentumista]

I am progressing divorce, seeing a solicitor after Christmas. I couldn't see them any earlier as I have no money.

I am a victim of financial and emotional abuse and pretty upset that the bank didn't take it seriously.

[Manumission]

Formal complaint to the bank?

Divorce?

[Momentumista]

The barclays in my town is crap. There are about 2 miserable & unhelpful cashiers and never anyone to talk to.

[Momentumista]

My husband is financially controlling and abusive.

He open my mail.
He gaslights me.
He refuses to communicate, it's always 'the wrong time' or 'ma causing trouble'
He has taken both my bank cards and refuses to give them back.

When i say I want to leave he says he will pay me nothing and I will not see DS and also that I am mentally ill. (Have had depression in the past due to his behaviour).