Question about closed checking account and transaction records...

Question

So I happen to have a nosy mom who checks up on me all the time. She opened me a checking account and I found out she would constantly check up on where I go and where I spend my money, etc. I decided to switch to another bank to stop that from happening, but earlier this week she was hired at the bank where I opened my new account. My question is if I close my account, would she still have access to my past transactions? and if so, how far back could she view those transactions?

Answer 1

You mom shouldn't be prying into your business. I'm sure, depending on what position she has at the bank, she could get into your records. Records go a long way back, so there's no telling how much information she'll be able to get. However, this is invasion of privacy, if she doesn't have a justification for needing your information.  Should should tell her if you find out she's going through your information, that you're going to report her...which you really should.

Answer 2

Yes, she will have access as far back as the bank maintains records. In the banks I've worked in, that's six months of easy access. Further back, and you have to submit a request to an archive department for statement copies, which could raise a red flag. All banks now have pretty strict privacy policies, which prohibit employees from accessing accounts unless there is a legitimate business need to do so.

Plus, it's long been considered a conflict of interest in the industry to do anything on your own account or for members of your immediate family. So even if your mom worked in customer service, if you called, she'd have to transfer you to someone else.

If I were you, I'd teach mom a lesson, since it seems like she got this job just to spy on you. Keep your account open, wait a couple of months, and report that you think someone's been accessing your information, saying that people you know socially seem to know all the gossip about your banking habits. A quick search will show all employees who've accessed your account, mom will probably be the most frequent user, and she'll  have to find another job and get a life. If the bank doesn't take action, you can sue them.

In the meantime, I'd mess with her head; maybe buy some stuff in an adults only bookstore or a tobacco shop.