Debit card that doesn't allow you to go over?

avstar

Hi all, Does anyone know of a bank account with a debit card that doesn't allow you to go overdrawn please?

My debit card years ago used to reject the transaction if I didn't have enough money in my account, but these days it lets anything go through.
I've been caught out a couple of times recently inc this week when HSBC internet banking was down so couldn't check my account. They're cancelling those charges but when I asked if I could have my card set to not allow me to go overdrawn like in the past, she said things have moved on since then .....better for them but not for someone like me. x

anna_1977

I have a simple natwest account and it stops any payments in person and online if I do over, it does allow DD's though which is odd

avstar

Thanks Anna, that's the sort of thing I want.
Ideally I want to keep the HSBC account for all my direct debits, then sweep any available cash over to the other account, and use that for spending knowing I can't go over and all my bills are covered.

sourcrates

avstar wrote: »

Hi all, Does anyone know of a bank account with a debit card that doesn't allow you to go overdrawn please?

My debit card years ago used to reject the transaction if I didn't have enough money in my account, but these days it lets anything go through.
I've been caught out a couple of times recently inc this week when HSBC internet banking was down so couldn't check my account. They're cancelling those charges but when I asked if I could have my card set to not allow me to go overdrawn like in the past, she said things have moved on since then .....better for them but not for someone like me. x

Any basic bank account, as they do not have borrowing facilities, nor do you need a credit check to open one.

debbie_debt

I'm with Natwest and find the same as Anna. It does stop you spending at will without realising (and getting stung with loads of charges) but it's still annoying if you've a regular payment set up that you've forgotten about :mad: Still cheaper than a bounced DD though!

avstar

Thanks all, I did ask HSBC if they had anything like this when I rung up to get the charges cancelled. They said no, but sounds like their basic bank account would do this :huh:

Deep_In_Debt

Yes, looks like their basic bank account would do the same as the Natwest one, or any other basic account from any other bank.

Banks don't make any money on the basic accounts which is why they don't generally recommend them.

I'd get back in touch with HSBC and ask for their basic account.

crazy_cat_lady

I have a basic HSBC account for my day to day expenses - all of my dd's come out of my current account, and I do my spends on the basic account. No overdraft, debit card, and no worries...

Kitten868

I don't think any bank accounts offer this. It's the way payments work now. Some like petrol go through but most things don't. Direct debits won't but you'll get charged. Stay with what you've got I'm guessing? Most companies do text alerts when you're close to your overdraft. That could work for you?

kendall17

Kitten868 wrote: »

I don't think any bank accounts offer this. It's the way payments work now. Some like petrol go through but most things don't. Direct debits won't but you'll get charged. Stay with what you've got I'm guessing? Most companies do text alerts when you're close to your overdraft. That could work for you?

Isn't it all down to the merchant offering the card facilities as to when they take payment out?

Basic bank accounts changedfrom 1/1/16 and are now fee free for non paid DDs. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35168705

sourcrates

avstar wrote: »

Hi all, Does anyone know of a bank account with a debit card that doesn't allow you to go overdrawn please?

My debit card years ago used to reject the transaction if I didn't have enough money in my account, but these days it lets anything go through.
I've been caught out a couple of times recently inc this week when HSBC internet banking was down so couldn't check my account. They're cancelling those charges but when I asked if I could have my card set to not allow me to go overdrawn like in the past, she said things have moved on since then .....better for them but not for someone like me. x

Do you have a smartphone ?


You can download your banks app, which allows you to check your balance whenever you want.


Dependant on the bank, some allow you to make payments and transfer money as well.


Very handy, I use mine every day.