Halifax Unauthorised Overdraft

BigAndy_79

Hi Guys,

I have a question inrelation to having used an unauthorised o'draft in my Halifax URCA. I have a £300 overdraft and tend to use the whole thing. It is now a joint account with my partner and we have recently set up direct debits on that account in order to take care of things that we both need and use.

Basically, I checked my account on Monday afternoon and it was showing £299-99, so this was obviously fine. I received a text from my partner the following morning saying that the account was £24-99 overdrawn; the reason for this being that a transaction to Betfair had come out - a same transaction that I had thought to not have come out as when it submitted, an "internet diagnosed problem" page came up.

So, I rang them last night and they asked have I had any charges before. I said I hadn't had any in quite some time, and that my partner - the other account holder has never had any charges. We have both been good customers with the Halifax. I have had c.cards in the past & have an existing one, also. I also possess 3 x current accounts, although I must admit to using to obtain the £5 each month. I also have my mortgage with them.
My partner has recently paid off a loan and a credit card before it. Has 2 X Reward Accounts, one of which she uses as her main bank account, etc.

Anyway, this colleague looked into things and said that she couldn't do anything at this time, but suggested that I call back when the "statement has been produced" to see what they can do then.

Judging by this, do you think that this occurance will hinder my chances of obtaining a loan from them in any shape or form ? Bear in mind that the c.card was guaranteed and that the mortgage went through no problem, whatsoever.
Do you also think that they may waive that £5 fee, if it will be charged ? Bear in mind that they have refunded a charge for me in the past, although was some time ago.

Many Thanks,

A.

Lokolo

I think it will depend on the person you talk to. Some might be nice, others might not be.

If it were me, I wouldn't give you a refund if you are constantly using up £300 overdraft as you clearly aren't learning that overdrafts are for short term borrowing (although you do say you are getting a loan). But that's just me you might get someone nicer

Bored_Advisor

you have a mortgage with them so you will be mroe likely to get the loan, or they might offer you the alternitive of increasing your mortgage as it would then be a secured loan and less risky. Loans are all up to the computer so it comes down to internal and external credit scores.

As for charges lokolo is right about how nice they are, they will have to follow the rules on previous charges and how long ago it was, but if your last charge was more than 3 years ago they might refund it.

having multiple current accounts and frequently using the overdraft is a negitive for many (and i'd guess most) banks. also because the charge was for betfair and not food shopping or the electric bill might be a minus too.

Mark_In_Hampshire

In addition to the above: if you frequently find yourself reaching the limit of your account then direct debit is not a suitable payment mechanism for you, and will cost you more money than any saving you're likely to make using it - if money is tight, and a payee makes the slightest error, or if you were expecting a debit but a bill doesn't arrive - but the debit goes ahead anyway - you could find yourself penniless temporarily.

BigAndy_79

Thanks, guys.

Will the fact that this has happened potentially go against me when applying for a loan with them next month ?

Cheers.

mrcow

It could do but I doubt it very much. If the loan is affordable, then they'll probably want to approve you for it.

vaporate

£300 od is chicken feed so of course the op is always in it.

My od limit is £100 lol

BigAndy_79

Am going to pay £100 in the URCA and pay a couple of hundred off my Halifax c.card today to try and help matters marginally.

I should be okay as I only want a couple of K to do home improvements, so hopefully will be alright. They did approve a mortgage for me with no bother, and pre-approved me for a credit card. Am just worrying as don't want to be the cause of my other half not obtaining a loan...:(