Bank accounts that don't let you overdraw?

sabitabanerji

My daughter is looking for a bank account that won't let you go overdrawn - ie if she tries to use her card to withdraw money or buy something that would put her into overdraft, it would refuse it. Is there such an account? Or can you ask banks to 'switch off' their overdraft facility? Any advice gratefully received.

GTR_King

Couldn't she get a basic bank account?

chambta

Overdraft Control on an RBS/NatWest Select Account.

http://www.rbs.co.uk/Downloads/personal/current_accounts/ODC_Leaflet.pdf

jonesMUFCforever

If she gets a basic account ask the bank for a cashpoint card ONLY not a debit card.
She then can only spend what is in the account.

sabitabanerji

Thanks so much everyone - great advice. Will follow up.

agrinnall

My advice would be to get the best account she can and to keep track of how much money she has so that she can avoid going overdrawn through her own actions.

chambta

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

If she gets a basic account ask the bank for a cashpoint card ONLY not a debit card.
She then can only spend what is in the account.

That's not possible with some banks.

Bekkii

Go for a basic account.

rach_k

My Barclays current account doesn't let me use my card if it will take me overdrawn. As far as I know, it's just a normal current account (it is described as 'current account' in my online banking) with no overdraft on it. Why not just choose the bank you'd like to use and then ask them which account suits her?

pmduk

And make sure she doesn't make foreign currency payments or use direct debits as these can lead to charges.

colsten

rach_k wrote: »

My Barclays current account doesn't let me use my card if it will take me overdrawn. As far as I know, it's just a normal current account (it is described as 'current account' in my online banking) with no overdraft on it. Why not just choose the bank you'd like to use and then ask them which account suits her?

Not having an overdraft doesn't mean you cannot go overdrawn. The bank can still grant you an unauthorised overdraft, at a charge. Read your T&Cs.