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 branch, or online through your account settings. Halifax will not close your account by email or through a third party. You must initiate the request yourself, and the bank will ask you to confirm outstanding payments, direct debits, and standing orders before they process the closure. The whole process typically takes five to ten working days once you've made the request, though it can take longer if you have an outstanding mortgage or loan.

Before you start, make sure you have cancelled all recurring payments and that you have no outstanding balance on any loan or mortgage held with Halifax. If money is left in the account when it closes, Halifax will transfer it to another bank account you nominate or send you a cheque. You must also update any organisations that pay money into your account—your employer, pension provider, or benefits office—with your new bank details before the closure date.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Halifax on 0345 120 4567 (or the number on the back of your card) to close your account; phone is the fastest route and creates a record of your request.
  • You must cancel all direct debits, standing orders, and automatic payments before closure, or Halifax will not process the request.
  • If you have an outstanding mortgage or loan, you cannot close the account until the debt is repaid in full.
  • Halifax will send you a final statement showing any remaining balance; if money is left, they will transfer it to your nominated account or issue a cheque.
  • Once closed, your account number and sort code cannot be reused, so update any organisations that pay into your account before you close it.

Closing a current account by phone

Phone Halifax on 0345 120 4567 during business hours (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm). Have your account number, sort code, and a form of ID ready. The adviser will ask why you're closing the account, check for outstanding payments and recurring transactions, and confirm your identity. They will give you a reference number for the closure request.

If you have direct debits or standing orders set up, the adviser will tell you to cancel them yourself before the account closes. You can do this through your online banking, by calling back, or by contacting the organisations that receive the payments. Halifax will not cancel these for you, and if they are still active when your closure date arrives, the bank may delay or refuse to close the account. Phone is the fastest and safest route because you get immediate confirmation and a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to follow up.

Closing your account online or in branch

If you use Halifax online banking, you may be able to request closure through your account settings under "Manage my account" or "Account settings". The exact option varies depending on your account type. Log in, look for a "Close account" or "Account closure" link, and follow the prompts. You will still need to cancel direct debits and standing orders before submitting the request.

You can also visit a Halifax branch in person with proof of identity (passport, driving licence, or proof of address). The staff member will check your account for outstanding transactions and process the closure on the spot. This is useful if you want to withdraw cash or discuss what happens to any remaining balance face-to-face. Online closure may take longer to process than a phone call because there is no immediate confirmation. If you choose this route, keep a screenshot or note of the date and time you submitted the request.

What you must do before closure

Before Halifax will close your account, you must cancel every direct debit and standing order linked to it. Log into your online banking and look for a "Payments" or "Direct debits" section. You will see a list of all active payments. Click on each one and select "Cancel". Alternatively, call the organisations that receive the payments (your utility company, insurance provider, gym, subscription service, and so on) and ask them to stop taking money from your Halifax account.

Check your account for at least two months before you request closure to make sure you have caught all recurring payments. Some subscriptions renew only once or twice a year, so if you close the account without cancelling them, the payment will fail and you may face late fees or service interruption. If you have a mortgage or loan with Halifax, you cannot close the account until the debt is fully repaid. If you have a savings account linked to your current account, you can close them separately, but Halifax may ask you to keep the current account open if it is linked to an active loan.

What happens to money left in your account

When your account closes, Halifax will send you a final statement showing the exact balance. If there is money left, Halifax will transfer it to another UK bank account you nominate, or they will issue a cheque in your name. You must provide the sort code and account number of the account where you want the money sent. This transfer usually takes three to five working days.

If your account is overdrawn (you owe Halifax money), you must pay the full amount before the account closes. Halifax will not close an account with an outstanding balance. If you cannot pay immediately, speak to Halifax about a payment plan before you request closure. Keep your final statement for at least six years for tax and record-keeping purposes.

After your account is closed

Once closed, your account number and sort code are deactivated and cannot be used again. If you have organisations that pay money into your account—your employer, a pension provider, a benefits office, or a client—you must update them with your new bank details before the closure date. If they try to pay into your closed account after the closure date, the payment will be rejected and returned to them, which can delay your money by several days.

If you need to prove you held an account with Halifax after closure, or if a payment dispute arises, you will need your final statement as evidence. If you closed the account because of poor service or a complaint, you can contact the Financial Ombudsman Service if Halifax does not resolve the issue to your satisfaction. You have up to six years from the date of the problem to make a complaint, though it is better to complain while the account is still open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I close my Halifax account if I have a mortgage with them?

No. If you have an active mortgage, you cannot close the current account linked to it. Halifax uses this account to collect mortgage payments and send statements. You can close it only after the mortgage is fully repaid or transferred to another lender. Contact Halifax mortgage services to discuss your options if you want to switch banks.

What if I have a direct debit that I forgot to cancel?

Halifax will not close your account if active direct debits remain. If you submitted a closure request and then realised you missed one, call Halifax immediately on 0345 120 4567 and ask them to cancel it for you, or cancel it yourself through your online banking. Once all direct debits are gone, the closure will proceed.

How long does it take to close a Halifax account?

Five to ten working days from the date you request closure, provided you have cancelled all direct debits and standing orders and have no outstanding balance. If you have a mortgage or loan, it may take longer because Halifax will need to confirm the debt is settled. Weekend and bank holidays do not count as working days.

Will closing my Halifax account affect my credit score?

Closing a bank account does not directly damage your credit score. However, if you close the account while you have an outstanding overdraft or loan, that will show on your credit file. Pay any debt in full before closure to avoid this. Closing an account you have held for many years may have a small impact if it was your oldest account, but this effect is usually minor and temporary.

Can I reopen a Halifax account after I close it?

Yes, you can open a new Halifax account at any time after closure, but it will be treated as a new account with a new account number and sort code. You will need to go through the standard account opening process, which includes identity verification and a credit check. Your old account cannot be reopened.