Halifax customers warned to close accounts

Halifax current account customers are today being warned to start the process of closing their accounts immediately .

Customers with active mandates on their account, such as direct debits or salary could experience difficulties if their accounts are not switched.

Customers looking to use the switching code methods of switching accounts must begin the process no later than the June 4 to allow for the 10 working day closure period.

Alternatively, customers who organise the switching process themselves using the ‘self switch’ process must close or switch accounts by June 18 and "need to be aware that this may entail a potentially longer process to arrange cheque books, cards and amendments to direct debits and standing orders", the bank has warned.

In addition, customers may need to notify all those who pay into their account, such as their employer, of the switch.

If a customer is unable to repay their overdraft balance in full or switch the overdraft to an alternative provider by the June 18, "they may be eligible to apply for a Halifax personal loan to clear the balance", a statement from the company said.

The bank first wrote to current account customers in March 2010 advising them of the process.