Halifax, can they really do this

Grichardallen

The problem is I have 2 accounts with Halifax one is a cash card and the other is a Current account, Unfortunately around two months ago I became over drawn on my cash card, It now stands stood or should I say stood at £131.00p which included Bank charges.
When I first became overdrawn they sent me a letter within a matter of weeks saying basically contact us or pay up, I sent them a fax back saying that I would pay when I could financially afford to I also mentioned that I would be reclaiming my bank charges.

Since then all quiet... Until yesterday (Tuesday) I looked at my current account to find they have transfer the £131 from my current account account to pay the cash card off without even asking me!!!

I can now not afford to pay my Council tax, Car insurance, or any other bill!! (I’m so annoyed)

What do I do or what do I say when I ring there head office tomorrow??

Thanks Richard!!

Paul_Herring

Halifax, can they really do this?

Yup. Any fiancial institution with whom you have both an overdue debt and some credit, can use the credit to offset the debt. It's written into the T&Cs of their accounts.

What do I do or what do I say when I ring there head office tomorrow??

Frankly, not a lot, nor are they required to do anything to 'help.' What you shouldn't do is start accusing them of stealing money or get angry with them.

You could try appealing to their better nature though, and you may be better off ringing the branch first.

System

Grichardallen wrote: »

The problem is I have 2 accounts with Halifax one is a cash card and the other is a Current account, Unfortunately around two months ago I became over drawn on my cash card, It now stands stood or should I say stood at £131.00p which included Bank charges.
When I first became overdrawn they sent me a letter within a matter of weeks saying basically contact us or pay up, I sent them a fax back saying that I would pay when I could financially afford to I also mentioned that I would be reclaiming my bank charges.

Since then all quiet... Until yesterday (Tuesday) I looked at my current account to find they have transfer the £131 from my current account account to pay the cash card off without even asking me!!!

I can now not afford to pay my Council tax, Car insurance, or any other bill!! (I’m so annoyed)

What do I do or what do I say when I ring there head office tomorrow??

Thanks Richard!!

Sorry to say but they do have a right to do this

Current account T&Cs:


If your account is held in your sole name and any money is overdue for payment on any other account you have with us (whether it is in your sole name or jointly with someone else) we may take the money you owe us out of your account. We can do this without giving you notice.

Sorry that's not much help to you I know, perhaps someone else will be able to give you some advice.

UNDERGROUND

Grichardallen

Arr right, thanks anyway,
I suppose I could threten to close the account, Can anyone recomend a good bank?? thanks, Richard

dunstonh

I suppose I could threten to close the account

Based on what you have said in your post I dont think they will be too bothered.

barclaysguy

I would phone the collections department up and offer them a sensible repayment plan - over 3 months or so. I think threatening to close the account will cause tension in the conversation. Be polite, although they do do this, its mainly for contact and im sure will help you out. They are bound by FSA rules to treat customers fairly, so make a sensible offer.