We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide

switching banks with an existing overdraft

Hi all. My overdraft charges have exceeded what I can afford. Does anyone know if I can switch to a new bank, building society that will take on the overdraft and I pay their charges instead. Regards Luke.

Comments

  • meer53
    meer53 Posts: 10,217 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    No problem. As long as your new bank will give you the same overdraft.
  • ....Before you transfer though - think what has caused the charges in the first place - eliminate or reduce them by earning more than you spend - I know this sounds simple but it is true.
    Make a list of all outgoings - cut out what you really do not need and move on from there.
    If you continue to accrue charges then you will be transferring again soon.
  • Archi_Bald
    Archi_Bald Posts: 9,681 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    If you continue to accrue charges then you will be transferring again soon.

    provided your application will be accepted
  • luke87 wrote: »
    Hi all. My overdraft charges have exceeded what I can afford. Does anyone know if I can switch to a new bank, building society that will take on the overdraft and I pay their charges instead. Regards Luke.



    Who is your current bank and what are the current charges?


    Are you within in an authorised overdraft or often slipping into unauthorised ones?


    How is the rest if your payment history - current accounts, credit cards, loans, mortgages etc.


    It is possible to move your account and overdraft if another bank is willing to take you on as customer and give you an overdraft of at least that level - Nationwide Flex Direct does offer 12 month interest free OD subject to acceptance so could buy you some breathing space to pay it off.


    You need to address why you are in your overdraft and reduce spending / increase income. OD's are not long term lending solutions they are very expensive and repayable on demand.


    There are lots of ways to make money out of banks rather than them making money out of you e.g. Halifax Reward Fivers, Santander cash back on direct debits and high interest paying current accounts.


    Good Luck
  • CLAPTON
    CLAPTON Posts: 41,865 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    luke87 wrote: »
    Hi all. My overdraft charges have exceeded what I can afford. Does anyone know if I can switch to a new bank, building society that will take on the overdraft and I pay their charges instead. Regards Luke.

    With virtually no facts it's difficult to say but probably not.

    What do your credit files say about you
    what debts do you have
    how big is the OD
    how long have you lived in your OD
    what fees/interest are you currently paying on the OD
    what is your income and employment status
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 354.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 455.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 178.4K Life & Family
  • 261.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.