Halifax credit limit blunder

Rendippy

Hi all

This is my first post so please be gentle! I am the primary card holder (hubbie secondary) on a Halifax credit card. On 25th Feb I received a letter increasing our credit limit from 3,350 to 5,100. It was super timely as we had an unexpected cost come in (hubbie doing the right thing when a shopping trolley he lost control of hit someone else's car).

So we settled the trolley problem via current account and planned to use the credit card for any shortfall before payday on 25th March. Come Aprilthe whole lot is being cleared and card cut up (we can't be trusted we've learnt!!).

Anyway today hubbie checked the balance of the account via ATM and got an account error so I called the Halifax.

We found out that not only have they not applied the credit limit increase we are now in arrears for 150 pounds. Initially the Halifax collections department were not interested too much in the back history only to reinforce we needed to sort out the account.

Honestly I saw red :-) wasn't rude etc but with 4 days before I'm due to have my second child by c section I didn't need the stress :mad:

So I've raised a formal compliant and plan to call in the morning as the customer complaints team had left for the day (helpful).

I need advice really:

1. We can clear off the arrears so this isn't an issue. I'm assuming I should wait until fully resolved?
2. I think Halifax have been unethical in that they confirmed a credit limit increase via letter (unprompted and unrequested) and when I discussed on the phone they spun me a tail of they can't confirm if it will apply as they are still reviewing yet confirm they sent me the letter?!?
3. I'm worried about my credit reference now
4. I can't help but think the stress this has caused (pregnant or not) is really out of line. Should I challenge them on this and request a goodwill gesture or let it go? Don't want to take the mick!!

Thanks very much in advance for your help!

Nasqueron

1. We can clear off the arrears so this isn't an issue. I'm assuming I should wait until fully resolved?
2. I think Halifax have been unethical in that they confirmed a credit limit increase via letter (unprompted and unrequested) and when I discussed on the phone they spun me a tail of they can't confirm if it will apply as they are still reviewing yet confirm they sent me the letter?!?
3. I'm worried about my credit reference now
4. I can't help but think the stress this has caused (pregnant or not) is really out of line. Should I challenge them on this and request a goodwill gesture or let it go? Don't want to take the mick!!

1) If you don't pay it you'll get late payment markers which will harm your credit rating
2) Banks are allowed to increase or decrease credit limits at will - you can see the limit in the online banking if it's applied but it does take some time to filter through
3) If it's a ONE TIME / FIRST TIME thing, ring them up again, ask nicely, use the baby / sob story and offer to pay in full and they may waive any credit reporting but see 1) if you want to avoid any problems
4) A complaint will normally net you "go away" money, maybe £25, £50 or so, don't ask for money, just complain politely (in writing) and mention the stress etc and see what you come back with. I got £25 from them just because they missed one cheque I had paid in through an ATM (I put two in there) and that was without any prompting, the branch staff just paid it

[Deleted User]

Rendippy wrote: »

Should I challenge them on this and request a goodwill gesture or let it go?

Goodwill gestures are by their very nature offered, they are not available on demand. You've already raised a formal complaint, contacting them further before they respond is a futile exercise.

Just forget about it and get on with your pregnancy..

[Deleted User]

Did you phone and ask for the limit increase early? Lenders need to give at least 30 days notice of an increase and give you the chance to opt out.

So a letter on 25 Feb would mean the limit wouldn't increase until the end of this month.

rs65

Rendippy wrote: »

It was super timely as we had an unexpected cost come in (hubbie doing the right thing when a shopping trolley he lost control of hit someone else's car).

Just a thought - if you have home insurance, this may be covered under the liability section.