Problems with A&L; 2nd best account for overdrafts

MBC16

Hi everyone, my first post here so please be gentle with me!

Earlier this year I wanted to swap bank accounts, and as I am permanently overdrawn (I'm working on it with MSE's help), I went with Martin's recommendation and contacted A&L. I was advised that they normally require an applicant to be in credit for 2 days per month but that it wasn't strictly applied and I should be fine. Arrangements were then made to transfer over all my existing standing orders and direct debits.

I was then advised, after the transfer, that I was not eligible for a matched overdraft, but that A&L would arrange for the S/Os and DDs to be transferred back to HSBC. After realising that I hadn't been paying any bills whatsoever, I have then spent an absolutely horrendous three months trying to get people paid before I had all my services cut off, my house repossessed, etc - A&L were no use whatsoever and the stress I had to deal with was unbelievable. I have now resolved the situation, and have lodged a formal complaint with A&L with a request for compensation.

The reason for this post is twofold: (1) to warn all MoneySavers in my position thinking of swapping to A&L to be VERY careful and (2) I have noticed that the A&L account is the only one mentioned by Martin in his article. What's the 2nd best account for anyone permanently overdrawn? Is my best option actually to transfer the overdraft to a 0% credit card and stop paying 18% overdraft interest?

Sorry for the length of my first post but as I am sure you can appreciate I have had my fingers severely burned and wanted to (a) warn others and (b) ask for help.

Many thanks in advance
Ian

masonic

The problem you've experienced is pretty common when people try to use switching services in general. People have posted here about many different banks' switching services not working as they should.

Switching services are bad. Don't use them to switch payments that are of any importance.