How to close a Halifax account
You can close a Halifax current account, savings account, or mortgage by contacting Halifax directly — either by phone, in person at a branch, or through their online banking portal. Halifax will not close your account by email or through a third party. Before you close, make sure any direct debits or standing orders are moved to another bank, your salary or benefits are redirected, and any outstanding balance is paid or transferred out.
The process usually takes a few business days once Halifax receives your request, though they may ask questions if you have an outstanding mortgage or if your account shows unusual activity. You will receive a confirmation letter or email stating the closure date, which you should keep for at least a year in case a payment bounces or a company tries to charge you after the account is closed.
Key Takeaways
- Contact Halifax by phone at 0344 404 5000, in person at a branch, or through online banking — email requests will not be processed.
- Move all direct debits, standing orders, and incoming payments to another account before requesting closure to avoid bounced payments and missed bills.
- If you have a mortgage with Halifax, closing your current account does not close the mortgage; you must handle each product separately.
- Keep your closure confirmation letter for at least a year as proof the account no longer exists.
- If Halifax refuses to close your account, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service after giving Halifax eight weeks to respond.
Contact Halifax to request closure
Call Halifax customer service at 0344 404 5000 (or +44 344 404 5000 from outside the UK) during business hours. Have your account number and sort code ready. Tell them you want to close your account and ask whether there are any outstanding balances, pending transactions, or reasons the account cannot be closed when ready.
If you prefer to visit in person, go to your nearest Halifax branch with photo ID and your account details. Staff can process the closure on the spot and answer questions about your specific situation. If you use Halifax online banking, you may also be able to request closure through the app or website, though you should confirm this is available for your account type before trying — some accounts still require a phone call or branch visit.
Move your direct debits and standing orders first
Before you ask Halifax to close your account, contact every company that takes money from your account by direct debit or standing order. This includes utilities, insurance, subscriptions, gym memberships, loan payments, and any other regular charges. Ask each one to switch the payment to your new bank account and confirm the change in writing or through their app.
Do the same for any money coming in: tell your employer, benefits office, or pension provider your new account details so they stop paying into the Halifax account. If you miss this step, payments will bounce, you may face fees, and you could lose services or fall behind on bills. Halifax will not redirect these payments for you, and they cannot be recovered once the account is closed.
Empty your account and settle any debt
Transfer any remaining balance out of your Halifax account to your new bank. If you have a negative balance (you owe Halifax money), you must pay it back before they will close the account. This includes any overdraft you are using, any fees that have been charged, or any loan balance tied to the account.
If you are unsure whether you have an outstanding balance, ask Halifax when you call to request closure. They will tell you the exact amount and the important date to pay. Some people close accounts while still owing money and find that Halifax pursues the debt or passes it to a collection agency, so settling it upfront avoids that problem.
What happens if you have a Halifax mortgage
Closing your current account does not close your mortgage. These are separate products and must be closed separately. If you want to close your mortgage, you will need to pay off the full outstanding balance, which usually requires a formal redemption statement from Halifax showing exactly what you owe, any early repayment charges, and the important date.
You can keep your mortgage with Halifax and close only your current account, or you can switch your mortgage to another lender and close both. Talk to Halifax about your options and any costs involved. If you are switching your mortgage to another bank, that bank's solicitor will usually handle the redemption and closure with Halifax on your behalf.
Confirm closure and keep your proof
After you request closure, Halifax will send you a confirmation letter or email within a few business days. This letter should state the date your account was closed and confirm that no further transactions will be processed. Keep this letter for at least a year — if a company tries to charge you after closure or if a payment bounces, you will need proof that the account no longer exists.
If you do not receive confirmation within a week, call Halifax again to check the status. Sometimes accounts are held open for a short period if there are pending transactions or if Halifax needs to run security checks. Once you have the confirmation, you can safely assume the account is closed and no new charges will be applied.
What to do if Halifax will not close your account
Halifax may refuse to close your account if you have an outstanding balance, if there are active disputes or fraud investigations, or if the account is linked to a mortgage or loan that is still being paid. Ask Halifax to explain the reason in writing and what steps you need to take to resolve it.
If you believe Halifax is refusing closure without good reason, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is free and independent and can order Halifax to close your account if they find the refusal was unfair. You must first give Halifax eight weeks to respond to your complaint before you contact the FOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Halifax account online?
Some Halifax accounts can be closed through online banking or the mobile app, but this is not available for all account types. Call 0344 404 5000 or visit a branch if you cannot find a closure option in your app. Phone and branch closures are processed the same day or within one business day.
Will closing my Halifax account affect my credit score?
Closing a current account does not directly damage your credit score. However, if you close the account while owing money or while direct debits are still attached, missed payments could be reported to credit agencies. Pay any balance and move your payments before you close to avoid this.
How long does it take for Halifax to close my account?
Halifax usually closes accounts within a few business days of your request. If there are pending transactions or security checks, it may take up to two weeks. Ask Halifax for a specific timeline when you call, and request a confirmation letter once closure is complete.
What happens to my debit card after I close my account?
Your Halifax debit card will stop working once the account is closed, usually within 24 hours. You do not need to return it, but you can cut it up or destroy it to be safe. If you have a Halifax credit card, that is a separate product and will not be affected by closing your current account.
Can I reopen a Halifax account after I close it?
Yes, you can open a new Halifax account after closing one, but Halifax may ask why you closed the previous account. If you closed it due to poor service or a complaint, opening a new account with the same bank may not solve the underlying issue. Consider whether switching to a different bank would better meet your needs.