Abbey accounts

Knownowt

Hi, I'd really appreciate some advice.

I graduated 2 years ago, and while I was at uni I had 2 student accounts: one with barclays whom I still use now, and one with Abbey which basically I opened to get the free overdraft of £1250. I havne't used this account in ages-it is currently at £580 overdrawn, and I recieved a letter the other day stating that I must start paying in funds every 30 days in order to keep my overdraft.
I haven't got a card for this account, as it was taken off me abouta year ago when I wasn't using it.

I am not in a position to pay any vast amount of money in to the account regularly, so I wondered if anyone else in this same position had got round this by withdrawing funds (I'm pressuming I'll be allowed to do this if I go to the counter with ID) and paying them back in straight away, whilst I am also paying in about £20 a month?

Basically I just need a way around this!!

All replies grateful received from anyone that's been in same position.

mrscruffy

I have a couple of accounts which are in the same situation. I have a standing order set up to send £5 from one account to another. This ensures that my account does not show up on the computer system as "dormant". The only thing to remember is that you should always leave at leave £5.01 in the account (call me old fashioned but I'd rather be 1p under my overdraft limit!).
As long as there is some sort of activity on your account you should be fine.

p.s. If you've got online/telelphone banking you should be able to set up a transfer from another UK bank account to pay in rather than having to go to the counter. This is different to a standing order as it is like an electronic cheque.

Knownowt

Thanks for your reply.

I have actually just spoken to Abbey on the phone, and they are asking that I pay in £180 in order to bring the account back up to date. I haven't got that much to pay in, but have just paid in £20 today - so hopefully that might keep them sweet for a while.
They did say that my overdraft limit is due to decrease to £1000 in September, but the only way it will stay intrest free and at that amount is if I'm paying in £150 every 30 days. I can't do this, but I'm hoping because my current balance is only at £580 - I should be ok...I hope.

Any other thought appreciated. I am really panicking about this, it's the first time in ages I've been in any trouble. I am working full time but not earning much and just about affording to pay all my other bills. I definitely can't afford another £150 a month.