halifax

phonenut

hey guys and girls i need some advice

i lost my job way back in dec, i had a 100 pound overdrauft with halifax which i always payed back on time, when u had to use it, i went overdrawn, and got charged £5 a day, i thought i would ring halifax to sort this before it got massively out of hand, but they said they wont help me unless it goes massively in the red,i dont understand this, i dont want my account to go into the red before i get help.

i owe them £155 charges due out in 2 days, i phoned them to ask if there is some kind off payment plan or resriction on my account till i get back on my feet and get a new job, but they said no, i dont wanna run from my debt, and i dont think they will believe me when they ask for it back and was told what i was told i just need some advice, what options i have and can they do this, instead off helping me they gave me a counciling number

Tixy

Hi

Are you saying you are at the limit of your overdraft and owe £155 in charges?

The best option in your situation is probably to open a new basic bank account (with a bank you don't owe any money to) and to have you benefits paid into that account so that they are available for you to use.

Then you can write to your old bank offering to pay back the money you owe at a monthly rate you can afford- then set up a standing order from new bank to old bank account for this amount.

If your benefits are due to be paid in before you get a new account set up you can use your 'first right of appropriation' which is where you insist your benefits are needed for priority costs (rent/food etc) and cannot be used by them to repay your charges. This is done by letter and there is a template I will find out for you.

EDIT Template letter http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=25675857&postcount=84

catmiaow

Halifax are the biggest **ssers on the planet. Had many a problem with them.

I wouldn't bother ringing, I would put everything in writing and send it by recorded delivery as they always said they never received my letters otherwise. Convenient isn't it?

Once you sort out the overdraft I would go and bank with someone else, you will get much better service!

Green_Tea_2

I'd second catmiaow and tixy on this, I have had no end of bad letters/unhelpful/general rudeness from Halifax/BOS. Get another account, keep everything in writing and be glad when you're away from them. Ive had dealings with many banks and they have been the worse, no empathy or help from them I'm afraid.
Good luck x

Percy1983

I do feel I should defend the halifax, in my case they have always helped, increased my overdraft at one point and cancelled some charges.

I never phone and actually go in the branch if that makes a difference.