Halifax Student Account 2009/10: We Want Your Feedback

JammyP_2

Rejected outright, have not recieved the letter yet to tell me why.

When I rang up to ask why the guy said they don't know and can't tell you over the phone.

I am a "mature" student, 23 years old, have had a mobile contract which I pay every month on time for 4 years, also have a credit card with a £2000 limit which I pay off every month in full.

Maybe it is because I have never had an account with them before, who knows...

aizomc27

Hi everyone,

I thankfully had no problems applying for and receiving the full amount from Halifax.:j I got my account back in 2006, got the £1000 OD straight away, but was told that they can't increase it beyond that limit in branch!
I had to ring a special underwriting team in Jan 07, they seen that my last two student loan installments had went in and was granted the full limit of £2750 (as it was back then!)
Applied for and got the full £3k last year, although maybe I'm just lucky, but best to phone them up during the day and get the underwriting team to have a look for you!:beer:

Bicks

I am about to enter my 2nd year and opened a Halifax Student Account last August (08/09).

They 'allowed' me £500 O/D facility for the first year and have not increased it, and have told me they won't increase it for 2nd year.

My Student Loan is paid into this account. I don't have any other income. I am a mature student (26) and have had previous accounts with Halifax (although not had a current account with them for some years now).

This account is useless. I am closing it asap and getting a better deal elsewhere. I can't recommend it - the advertised £3000 O/D facility seems to be all but a myth except for the luck (very) few.

Only my opinion though.:rolleyes:

Petlamb

JammyP wrote: »

Rejected outright, have not recieved the letter yet to tell me why.

When I rang up to ask why the guy said they don't know and can't tell you over the phone.

I am a "mature" student, 23 years old, have had a mobile contract which I pay every month on time for 4 years, also have a credit card with a £2000 limit which I pay off every month in full.

Maybe it is because I have never had an account with them before, who knows...

Very similar to me... How strange. She tried with the 'ah, it's credit ratings, y'see' line... till i explained im very careful, have checked with the agencies in question and know what mine is... sparkly! *sigh*

mrjoet wrote: »

Halifax rejected me, however I called them and asked why and they said that at this time of year new students do not yet have confirmation that they have a place at University.

They said to call back in a week and I should have better luck.

What??!! That makes *no* sense... some students don't, no - especially A Levels as AFAIK they're getting theirs (results) this month... but if you have done an access course (like me) and you have results, you have a confirmed place... so that shouldnt be an issue? Surely they're only accepting students with confirmed places in the first place so that shouldn't come into the equation when deciding?

thewookie

Just had my account opened. 1st year of a 4yr degree, got £500 OD. Expected more considering I have had the account for 3yrs, have had over £2k a month going in unitl I left the country and went travelling. Still have over £700 a month going into the account as well as my student loan. Told only £500 in the 1st year. Will give it a few months before calling custoner services.

HTH

Wraggy

I opened a Halifax Student account in Sept 08. I was a new halifax customer so they held no information about my banking habits, and I had a basically non existent credit record. On opening I was offered £500 overdraft, but as I opened the account with some birthday money I was instantly granted £1000 OD. I was told that was pretty much all I could expect in Year 1, and sure enough after asking for more in March 09 time, an increase was refused. I will be going in soon to hopefully increase my OD for year 2!

litaross

I've had bank accounts with the Halifax since I was born and last year I applied for a student account on the basis that I would be able to get a £3000 overdraft.

I managed to get a £1500 overdraft by the end of my first year but I had to ring them up every 3 months and apply for it and they would only extend the overdraft £500 at a time. Also if you don't have much activity on your card when you apply then they will refuse to extend your overdraft! I have my rent for 2nd year going out in one lump sum in a couple of days and Halifax refused to extend my overdraft to cover it but instead tried to get me into more debt with a credit card!!

If you can manage with a small overdraft for a while then Halifax is great but otherwise they are a pain to deal with. Also its an 0845 number whenever you want/need to ring them!

SophieBowden

I have been a client of Halifax for 18 (of my 21) years and fully reccommend their student account. I am due to start a masters degree in September and Halifax kindly increased my overdraft to the full £3000 without hesitation. I believe that people in my position, need a bank which is as trustworthy as Halifax has proven to be.

Dont be 'bought' by other banks offering free gifts, at the end of the day there is only two things which should matter. Firstly, your overdraft limit and secondly, the interest free period.

Sophie Bowden

kelloggs36

I had a student account with Halifax - after the student period has ended, apparently they don't do graduate accounts, and give you 1 year to pay off your overdraft and then convert to a normal account which charge for overdrafts.

Confusing though as I got a letter last week saying that my overdraft period was coming to an end on my student account and I needed to ring to arrange to extend the period. I rang and they said it had already been renewed - but the woman told me that it only lasts for a year after graduating.

Kavanne

We just tried to increase OH's limit and they said they have lost the proof of student status he provided when we opened the account so we need to provide it again.... SIGH