Missed mortgage payment - letter from the bank arrived very late

_Sam_

Hello all, my mortgage bank sent a letter that we missed the mortgage payment (direct debit didn’t go through due to not enough money on the account) This letter arrived on Sat 18th July, but it is dated 3rd July - on the letter itself, while there is no indication as far as I can see on the envelope when was the letter actually sent.

I’m wondering is it possible to determine when was the letter sent - in other words I’m curious could it have been the bank sending the letter weeks after the stated date, or was it delayed in the post?

Within the letter there is a threat that if the bank is unable to collect the payment on the second try which is said to be 10 days after 2nd July, then it could affect credit score.

This is the very first time we missed the payment entirely by accident (and we had first home mortgaged and payed off, this is now second home). I never check my bank account so I had no idea that payment didn’t go through.

I’m going to call the bank tomorrow and hopefully pay over the phone but feel worried how it could have happened that the letter arrived so late after the stated date.

noitsnotme

It’s almost certainly delayed in Royal Mails system. They do not treat letters with any urgency any more. We tend to get a single batch of letters once a week if we’re lucky now and often they can be a couple/few weeks old.

_Sam_

Oh dear thank you I did hear about the Royal Mail on the news but didn’t notice our post being late; this might be the first time.

la531983

"I never check my bank account so I had no idea that payment didn’t go through."

Well Im guessing you know what the solution is going forward then?

Some tough love: stop looking to blame the postal system and take this one on the chin.

_Sam_

Don’t think I’ll be able to change at this age 🙂

jaybeetoo

Some banks will send a text message if there is a problem with a payment and give you the chance to put money into your account so they can try the payment again later the same day.

flaneurs_lobster

If you are determined to continue to "never check my bank account" then would it be possible to have an overdraft arrangement that would cover any future shortfalls?

Several banks have current accounts where they will email/text if the balance falls below a pre-set limit.

CliveOfIndia

I have to agree with previous posters - not checking your bank account/statements is asking for trouble. Quite apart from situations like the one you describe, how would you know if someone is fraudulently removing money from your account by whatever means, or whether you're still paying for a subscription which you've long-since stopped using?

It takes two minutes, once a month, to cast a quick eye over your account and make sure there's nothing amiss.

That aside, one negative mark on an otherwise unblemished history will have a negligible effect. Of course it's not ideal, but in the grand scheme of things it won't cause you too much bother.

retiredbanker1

It is highly likely that the letter can be found in your mobile banking app in the 'envelope; section normally at the top of the app.