Can banks transfer £ from my account to joint account withour my consent?

[zookeeper]

bank is rumbling about the joint overdraft which has not been serviced for some weeks now.

I have more than enough funds in my own account to cover it but would rather wait until exDP and I come to an agreement about how to reduce the overdraft before using those fuds.

Can the bank transfer funds from my sole account to the joint account without my consent?

I should have said it hasn't been used for some time.

I'd move it because they might.

I would have said they couldn't but you never know there might be something in weeny small print somewhere.

Do what WWW says I reckon to be safe.

If you have an account in credit and one in overdraft with the same bank I'm pretty sure they can move one to cover the other if they're concerned. I'm sure they probably have to give you notice blah blah but if you're in dispute with ex, move it, really.

My bank has moved funds between my own accounts before to cover unauthorised ODs - didn't ask me first.

oh god I would be so cross if they did this - I'm going to the bank tomorrow to see what they say - will report back if anyone's interested.

No, they can't.

On 2 occasions we have been in the red & they sent us letters when there was money in another of our accounts they could have transferred!

We thought the bank were arses for not transferring it at the time, but now I can see why they can't.

If I were in your position I REALLY wouldn't ask them, I'd just move it. Honestly.

Yes they can transfer from sole accounts to joint accounts to cover debts. They do not have to ask you although they should inform you, normally after the deed is done.

It should be covered in the 'terms & conditions' of the bank account. Joint accounts are normally held on a 'joint & several' basis meaning both parties as individuals are held liable for any debts accrued. They can therefore transfer money from any accounts held solely by either party at the same bank.

NeedyLittleMe - just because banks can transfer doesn't mean they will, they have the right but not the duty to ensure debts are covered by any funds they hold.

anyone suggest an online bank so I can transfer it all out tonight?

zookeeper did you find somewhere and manage to transfer it?

Check the small print in your account T&Cs. I'm with Lloyds TSB and it definately says here thay they can move money from one account to another to re-coup overdraft fees or pay an outstanding credit card balance.

However that is for personal accounts. I'm not sure whether the same rules apply for joint accounts.

Moving your personal money out of their reach may be a good idea; if they do move it to the joint account, what's to stop your ex from withdrawing funds?

sorry, only read the OP

I find this starnge - surely a bank is not there to help you out of debt but to get you in it?

I thought you were worth more to them in interest charges and other fees than if you were in credit all the time.

We used to get a load of charges regularly before we got a bloody grip of it. I bet they hate us now and we are blacklisted as we are not earning them money anymore..........

Yes I think they can. They did that to us at a time when we were constantly overdrawn and they repeatedly took money from a savings account to cover it.

First direct. Telephone and online banking 24/7.