11/23/2013

I've been told I have an old soul, but this is ridiculous

I admit that it's been quite a few years since I've had joint banking accounts before I got to New Zealand but yesterday made it seem more like centuries.

I felt old and out of place when I called two banks to see why they hadn't changed our address on our account. I mean, it's been five months since we moved. Hubby has stopped in twice that I know of to let them know but our statements were still going to the old address.

In an effort to get things straightened out, I called both banks. I was totally shocked by what I was told. The first thing that both ladies asked me was, 'Is this a joint account?' That should have been the tip-off, but my only thought was that they were making sure my name was on the account.

After all the security questions and after giving them the correct details, I was informed that they need both account holders to request a change of address.

This is the moment where I felt like I didn't belong in this century at all. I belong back in the time when the word of one person on the account was good enough to speak for both of the account-holders. It never occurred to me that they might think I was trying to pull a fast one on hubby. That's just not where my mind goes.

I don't know if I'm just behind the times or if my new homeland is so paranoid that they think they have to be super-cautious. Either way, I needed a cup of coffee and a nap after the experience. 

Btw, one bank said they would send out a notice for Hubby to sign and return--just a formality, she said. I don't know how the other lady will explain it to her boss.


8 comments:

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, I can feel your frustration. Hope the coffee and the nap helped! :)

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

LOL! I think I am going to like your blog. :)

They are doing similar things here in the US. What was up is now down and vice versa. I'm with you, the nap sounds good!

Nonnie said...

I'm sure that this rule is needed for those who are so angry that they want "to take their former love to the cleaners" and draining a joint account is part of that.

Little Wandering Wren said...

Oh Banks! and the joys of moving!! Just remember to sign all the forms on the utilities allowing either of you to cancel for when you want to return to the US and they won't let you cancel the gas/electricity/water without hubby's consent..
Hope you have a more relaxing week, you have water and money now so that's a good start!!
Wren x

Anita said...

I feel your pain! I have had several "issues," to put it nicely, with the cable company. It is in my husband's name, for no other reason than it was him who signed us up for it.

Well, they used to refuse to talk to me beyond telling me to try this or try that if my computer had problems. They would not tell me specifics because my name is not on the account.

Sooo... my husband put my name on some sort of "it's okay to talk to her" list, but the next time there was an issue, I got the same thing - "You're not on the account."

This happened about 3 times until I just about lost it and scared someone into talking to me. :)

Hopefully, my name is now there for the next time...because there "will" be a next time.

Thanks for letting me rant. Just wanted to let you know that I completely understand how you felt.

Carole M. said...

this I loved and I know how it goes too, having experienced similar after the loss of my husband where I was 'secondary email a/c holder'. I asked to be made the 'primary email a/c holder'. It proved so difficult that they pulled the plug on my connection to the internet proper - over several days, so they could create the account in a single name. Now that's when I needed the caffeine to see me out, at a time when I needed the internet to be in contact with varying other institutions also. 'Things' are way too complicated nowadays.

Joyful said...

I'm not sure but I think you are behind the times. These days most banks want both account holders consent to make any changes. There is too much fraud/theft that goes on even between family members. It might feel like a pain but I think it is good protection.

Anna Ngo said...

I concur. So much online fraud these days that all banks everywhere have a high security requirement. I have a US bank account still and have to jump through hoops to access it.

To say nothing of all the conmen out there who marry women then clean out their bank accounts. Sadly, it's becoming quite commonplace.