Student --> Graduate Account Transition Unclear

CivilSaver

I've got a Santander student bank account and, having graduated this year, my overdraft has since increased to £1,800--in line with what they say they give 4th year students. On online banking it still calls it a 'student' account rather than a 'graduate' one. So it looks like they don't realise I've graduated. I'm starting a graduate job in September and could really do with the extra £200 overdraft they offer with their graduate bank account as I'm currently £900 into my overdraft and have a fair few bills to pay before I receive my first paycheck.

What do you recommend I do? Given that I am about to enter secure and reasonably well-paid, for an entry-level position, employment (I should get out of debt completely in a few months' time) is it likely that they will bump me up to the full graduate amount? What I am worried about is them looking at my admittedly somewhat indulgent spending habits, the fact that my account has more often been in overdraft than not (though never out of the agreed overdraft), and ask for all the money back. I have read some horror stories on the internet about students' overdrafts being completely removed at graduation.

SurgeUK

I doubt your spending habits will have an impact on their decision to increase your overdraft. If you go into a branch and explain you are about to go into a high paid job and just need an increase they will do it.

You don't know what they will say unless you try.

Dobbibill

When you log in to internet banking, what does it say in brackets after the name of your account - they normally specify which yr you are in (eg STUDENT ACCOUT (CA Yr3)

This will give you some indication of where they believe you are with your studies ie 3rd or 4th yr

HTH

knack92

Check the key facts document on their website. It says this:

"2. Ending your studies
If you decide not to continue with your studies then you must notify us. If you leave your course, you will no longer be eligible for this current account and any 1I2I3 Student Arranged Overdraft Allowance will be withdrawn. The services on your current account will be changed or your current account will be closed.
When you complete your course you will no longer be eligible for this current account. At this time, these Specific Conditions will cease to apply to your current account and unless we agree with you before the end of your course that you can have a different facility with us, your 1I2I3 Student Current Account will automatically be transferred to the 1I2I3 Graduate Current Account and the Specific Conditions for the 1I2I3 Graduate Current Account will apply. We will give you at least two months’ notice of the date of the change or, if applicable, closure.
You may be eligible for alternative facilities. If you need any further information, please visit your local branch or call 0800 9 123 123."

I expect you'll hear from them soon regarding the change and then the additional overdraft will be available. Even if it's not, you certainly shouldn't lose the existing overdraft.