Halifax bank advice please

karenw

I have a current account with the Halifax that includes a visa debit card, i used my card at a shop the other day and went over my available balance which lead to some charges on my account. I rang the bank up to ask them if they could restrict the card so that I can only use what I have in my bank and not go over. I was told they can not put any restrictions on the card is this true?

LongTermLurker

Probably. While they can agree to remove your overdraft facility, all/most banks withold the right to pay any/all requests, even if that takes you over your limit.

Your best bet is to a) set a realistic agreed overdraft, to limit your charges and b) manage your account so you know exactly how much you have to play with - keeping a record of transactions and running balance isn't hard.

Also, if you pay in £1000pm and stay within your agreed overdraft (<£2500 overdrawn?), you can effectively go overdrawn up to 5 days per month free of charge (your reward will cover the charges)

opinions4u

Perhaps you should apply for their EasyCash account. While not guaranteed, it will invariably decline transactions unless you have sufficient funds in your account.

Alternatively (and preferably) get a lot closer to your money so that you don't make the same mistakes again.

Fedz

That's what I did/do. I had a small overdraft just in case. Then over the years it got increased & increased until I eventually found myself living in the overdraft hence why I changed to a basic account and have an in-credit 'float' backed up with a linked savings account

I'm well disciplined now :cool:

exel1966

opinions4u wrote: »

Alternatively (and preferably) get a lot closer to your money so that you don't make the same mistakes again.

I'm afraid that kind of advice is going to fall on deaf ears as the reason KarenW has this account is because of financial mismanagement with Lloyds and Lloyds !

It maybe more worthwhile the OP getting to grips with her outgoings!

karenw

exel1966 wrote: »

I'm afraid that kind of advice is going to fall on deaf ears as the reason KarenW has this account is because of financial mismanagement with Lloyds and Lloyds !

It maybe more worthwhile the OP getting to grips with her outgoings!

I'm slowly getting back on track, this was a minor misjudgement on my part that i won't let happen again.

exel1966

karenw wrote: »

I'm slowly getting back on track, this was a minor misjudgement on my part that i won't let happen again.

It's good to hear that you're getting back on track, well done !

Niv

Well if it isnt going to happen again you dont need to request your account be restricted then Seriously though, I dont know your past mismanagement, but good on you for getting back on track.

davidgmmafan

They won't do so, they claim they can't but IMO its more to do with it being too lucrative to 'allow' people to go over thier limit or create an overdraft which they do not have.

Whilst I dis-agree with the method weaning people off thier overdrafts is IMO a good idea.