SO suddenly you remember a long forgotten bank account in which you're sure there's a wad of money. But how do you go about finding it?

The Irish Bankers' Federation (IBF) has just published a new guide to dormant bank accounts which should make it easier for customers to trace forgotten personal accounts. The guide explains what a dormant account is, how the funds in such an account can be traced and also includes a claim form.

"Each institution has always had its own procedures in place for processing enquiries about dormant accounts," said IBF director general, Mr Jim Bardon. "Now, for the first time, there is a common claim form in use among all of the main retail banks and this is readily available through their branch network."

A dormant account is generally considered to be one which has been inoperative for a long period of time without any voluntary transactions by the customer such as deposits or withdrawals. Most accounts, which once seemed dormant, are eventually reactivated, often after a major life event such as a birth, death or marriage, Mr Bardon says. The IBF estimates that less than 1,000 accounts, containing some £2 million (€2.54 million) in total, have remained dormant for a period of more than 25 years.

All funds in a dormant account remain at all times the property of the customer. Depending on the type of account, interest will continue to accrue on them and the total should be repaid on receipt of a valid claim.

Copies of the explanatory leaflet and claim form can be obtained from bank branches or from the IBF.