Halifax savings account customers face penalty charges after opening wrong account

A Halifax customer has been warned they may face penalty charges after opening the wrong savings account and wanting to close it early.

The customer contacted Halifax after opening a Fixed Saver account, which offers a 3.75 percent interest rate for a one-year term. The account requires a minimum deposit of £500 within 10 days of opening, and any number of deposits are allowed within this period. The customer no longer wanted the account, inquiring: "Can I close it online via the app? Only just opened it, it's the wrong one I've opened and put some money in it."

Halifax replied to explain that there may be some extra charges involved: "This would need to be closed in branch as early closure would mean you would pay an interest penalty."

The saver was alarmed to be told they may have to pay the penalty charge, questioning: "What is that? I've only put [in] £400." They further asked: "How much would I have to pay? It's a error accidently made opening wrong account up, why do I need to pay a penalty?"

Halifax clarified that since it's a one-year term account, the charge would be equivalent to 90 days' interest.

According to Halifax's rules, early closure of a fixed rate account results in a charge of 90 days' gross interest for a one-year term, 180 days' for a two-year term, and 365 days' for a five-year term.

The customer was irritated to be facing the extra bill for their mistake of opening the wrong account, remarking that they were being "punished for opening wrong account" and that they hoped to avoid paying the charges when they sorted out the issue in the branch.

Halifax then offered a reassuring update: "Apologies for any confusion. There is a cancellation period of 14 days. Customers are entitled to change their mind without financial loss, so any early closure loss of interest will need to be refunded to customer."

The customer then queried if there was any way to close the account online as their nearest branch was a a long way from them.

Halifax advised: "A fixed account would need to be closed at a branch please."

You can manage the Fixed Saver online, as well as via the app, in branch or over the phone. The term starts from the day you launch the account. You can only make deposits during the first 20 days, and you can hold up to £9million in the savings account.