Halifax Direct Debit Repayment

ptdc

Hey, just messaging to get some advice.

I have £8 taken out of my account at the start of each month for Shelter. Last week I went on holiday, and ended up having to exchange money while I was there. Trying to understand how much getting the money cost, with card charges, exchange rates, commision, etc, I was left not really knowing how much was in my account, but assumed there was more than £10.

I got a letter today from Halifax, saying that the monthly direct debit of £8 had failed, and as a result I have to pay £39, which is taken out on the 9th July.

I dont get paid untill the end of the month, and dont have £39 in my account to pay, or the direct debit would have worked. Is there any way I can stop or reclaim the fees? I dont really understand why it would cost £39, seems quite excessive. I assumed the money just wouldnt have been taken out, and the charity would have contacted me saying :S

The other problem, I've just started working for a company in the HBoS group, so if I managed to have the money stopped, or reclaimmed, would that lead to any repercussions?

The account I have with Halifax is a Halifax Cardcash, with a Visa Electron debit card. I really dont know much at all about banks - I cant seem to get my head around it

Edit: Forgot to say, I get the final pay from my last job tomorrow, which I think is only £38. If the direct debit happend two days later it would have been fine. It has varied in the past from 2nd to 4th I think. Im not sure the exact day its meant to come out, but I will try and find out.

Thanks in advance.
AJ

ptdc

<bump> - sorry. Just hoping somebody can help me before they charge, as after that there will be even more costs with being overdrawn.

If it isnt worth it for just £39, then thats okay.

Beate

If this is your first offence, phone them up and plead. Be polite and charming and they might refund it there and then. Otherwise you would have to start writing the template letters.

ptdc

Ah thanks a lot. Didnt know they might drop charges if I phoned.

Thanks again.

ptdc

Just to update, it worked , they said they would drop the charge as a good-will gesture.

Thanks for your help.