OK, I work for a bank, but my memory on this type of thing is very hazy. As far as I remember if its within the first calendar month then the bank has the legal right to take the money back off you provided they advise you in writing why they have done so. I believe that after this time even if the account were still open they would be unable to debit the money without your permission. I'm very hazy on the legal situation, but I know in the bank where I work, if there was little prospect of getting the money back, and it was genuine bank error then we would have just written the funds off. But please don't blame me if Anglo take a tougher stance!!