Will my bank freeze charges?

divrom

I know the right answer is probably, "Ask them", but it's not quite that straightforward.

I have some mental health issues (Aspergers and Depression) and am really bad at using the phone. I often get flustered, hang up early or don't recall at all what was said.

However, if I know that this might be possible, then I think I could get through making a quick call to my Bank and Credit Card company.

The issue is that I have just recently come out of a 7-week stay in hospital (related to my Mental Health) and my finances are mess.

I had a £750 overdraft which has gone down to £600 this month. I also have about £1600 on a credit card with a different bank. I have applied for PIP and am just waiting to be given a date for a face-to-face.

Oh, I've also paid over £150 in bank charges since January.

What I am wondering is would my Bank or Credit Card ever consider things like this:

Could they drop all Bank charges for a couple of months?
Would I be allowed to skip Credit Card payments for e.g. 3 months whilst I try to get on top of everything?

tomtontom

You do need to speak to them. They may refund some bank charges if you are in hardship. They will not allow you to skip payments but you may be able to make a payment arrangement. Be aware that this will screw your credit file though, and you will still be incurring interest. It sounds like you would be better to post on the Debtfree Wannabe board further up the forum.

pmlindyloo

it is always best to speak to your creditors when you are having a period of financial difficulties.

Have a read of this about 'contacting non priority creditors'

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/debt_e/debt_help_with_debt_e/how_to_deal_with_your_creditors.htm

I am a great believer of 'don't ask, don't get' so take the plunge.

No one can say for sure whether they will freeze interest or not but if the first person you speak to is unsympathetic then ask to speak to the manager. Most banks have a special department for dealing with people in financial hardship so this is another option.

if you feel unhappy about doing this yourself then you could go to CAB and ask someone to look at your situation, review your options for clearing the debt and ask them to speak on your behalf.

sleepless_saver

You might find the MSE booklet on mental health and debt useful. There's a link to it from this page on the site.

divrom

Thanks, folks.

I hadn't though about getting someone else to ring for me, as it makes me feel kinda pathetic. But definitely more likely to happen.

Thanks again.