Friend went over her overdraft by 89p.

Fats5000

She's with the Halifax and for going over her overdraft limit by 89p they've charged her a whopping 30 Pound. Surely this is obscene and she's able to do something about it? I know very little, and that's why I came here, but I've just advised her to ring her Bank and make a bit of a fuss over it because it seems awfully extreme.

Thanks for you help.

Voyager2002

If it is a first offence, then she should be apologetic and polite and promise never to let it happen again. They will probably waive the charge if she does so. However, if she makes "a bit of a fuss" and is rude to whoever answers the 'phone, she will get nowhere.

Stephen_Leak

Firstly, prepare to get "flamed" on behalf of your friend for her not reading the T&C's, etc.

Regardless of the amount of money and/or time involved, she breached her contract with the bank and they have every right to charge to cover their costs in dealing with what is effectively an unauthorised debt. Whether their costs are £30 is a different matter, and one that greater minds than ours will soon be considering, however.

In the meantime, as it sounds like it is a first offence, I would suggest she goes into the nearest branch in person, pleading ignorance and/or (temporary) insanity and generally throwing herself upon their mercy. Strictly speaking, she doesn't have grounds for a complaint. Also, it is far too easy for someone to say "no" over the 'phone.

She will probably also be charged interest for the amount and time she was overdrawn. This is also spelt out in the T&C's and there is no legal confusion about the rate, so this will not be refunded.

crazyfj

However regardless of the above post I would call them and explain its the first time and was an over-sight. I've always found the Halifax to be helpful.

Beate

There is a whole board for this kind of question: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=102