Help with my Santander student account (overdraft)

steffi1986

Hi to cut a long story short I'm mature law student with a just gone 4 year old boy. I'm soon to be going into my second year next month and well I upgraded my Santander (well only alliance Leicester account) to a student one in feb and was giving an initial overdraft of £250.00. Was told that this would increase once I deposited 500.00 or more into my account which I did in the April with my third instalment of student loans. But when I asked why this hasn't happened I was told that I have to put in a 1000.00 a month to increase my overdraft which ridiculous because what student can afford to deposit 1000.00 a month. I do deposit about £650.00 through child tax credits and child maintenance and that. But I said fine and left it at that because I had to concentrate on exams and stuff. Well I passed I'm continuing onto my second year but over the summer I haven't had a lot of money and my son starts primary school soon and his birthday and other shizzle. So I tried again the bank because it didn't feel right what they told me. So I went into branch and told them and got told no since I credited the required £500 my overdraft should increased and now as I'm going into second year my overdraft should be 1500 which a great deal bigger that £250. I did ask the lady is to do with my credit rating as its very poor she said no because I was accepted to student account in the first place I'm entitled to the overdraft so she's put in an appeal to increase it as she couldn't do it automatic. But I phoned today so I could get an update and the person was just rude to me so could any one help me with advice please. O and is it true that as a student account holder I get mobile phone insurance because I've been paying my network my insurance as I didn't know I had it already thanx and sorry for the long thread

happi.ocholloh

Seems strange that you they should ask for a 1000 per month when normally they are looking for a lump sum from student finance every few months.
Have you asked around at other banks, Natwest have been good to me and expect you to pay student finance into the account and give you a small credit card balance.
You would technically have to close the other one down but doesnt seem like your losing out on anything there.

Racheldevon

I would put a complaint in writing, and be prepared to continuely harass them. I used to bank with them, they are truely awful, and when things go wrong their customer service is shocking. I had my student account with Natwest - i would recommend switching (& closing the santander one), but still following it up with a complaint. I would urge you to avoid the credit card route. If you are struggluing pop into your student welfare team they often have hardship grants available which you don't have to pay back, but you do have to meet a certain criteria.