Unauthorised Overdraft Charge?

kram322

Hey, i've hovered around awhile without registering but felt I needed to ask about this. This doesnt relate to reclaiming the charges (though it may do eventually) just wanted to know if I have it correct.

My current account went overdrawn (I dont have an arranged overdraft) when a standing order was removed from it, me mistakingly thinking I had enough money left to cover the payment, the rest of my money in my savings :rolleyes:

Anyway found i'd gone -£5.67 so quickly transferred £15 across to put me £10ish in the black as it were so the £5.67 was taken out of that.

Received a letter from Halifax saying I'm to be charged £35 plus a monthly Unauthorised Overdraft Charge of £28.00.

Now this is the first time i've gone overdrawn ever, and the "account adviser" at the branch told me if I didn't have an overdraft I couldn't take any money out if it wasn't in my account (obviously wrong) when he tried to get me to arrange one.

Just really wanted to clear up that i'm going to lose £35 plus £28 a month (it says monthly not just this month) for however long, as thats how it sounds to me and i'm already a poor college student as it is!

Thanks for any replies and sorry if its a bit long.

PROLIANT

Explain this to them and do a bit of a grovel, yes it was an accident and you rectified it promptly, if they do not budge, move your business else where and close the account(s), don’t try and claim this money back as it is so small in value the cost of the court case would be silly, just try and get an arranged overdraft sorted. Good luck.

Kavanne

The £28 sounds like a 'maintenance fee' so should only apply in the months you go into any unauthorised borrowing.

kram322

thanks for the replies, I checked under the website and there just standard charges doesnt matter about the amount and in the letter it sets the dates both amounts will be withdrawn.

Never planned on claiming them back really as it isnt that much (well it is to me as I dont earn loads) I'll just have to sit on it and be £63 down for the start of University

Happy birthday to me :rolleyes:

Thanks again for the replies!

PROLIANT

I will lend u a tenner if you want!

Kavanne

When you have your unconditional place confirmed at uni get yourself a student account with interest free overdraft!!

Night-owl_6

This maybe of use to you to reclaim your fees:


[Your address]
[Your address]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]

[Date]


[Name and address of bank]


Dear Sir or Madam,


Ref: Account number: [your account number]

I would like to request a refund of all the default charges that have been applied to my account.

Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 charges must reflect administration costs and cannot be punitive. I believe that the following [insert details of charges] are unlawful as they do not reflect the true cost of going into an unauthorised overdraft.

You have taken [insert charges amount here] from me, plus [insert overdraft interest amount here] overdraft interest and I would like to request repayment of this [insert total sum] total sum. I also ask you to ensure any default notices entered against my credit record are removed entirely.

Please repay this money in full and remove any default notices within 14 days. If this is not done, I will begin a claim against you for the full amount, plus interest and my costs.


Yours faithfully,


[Your signature]

Poosmate

Hi Kram and welcome.

Have you actually called them or visited their branch and just asked them to remove the charges?

I have done this once or twice, albeit a few years ago now, (with HSBC) and they cancelled the charges immediately - my misdemeanors were only a few quid overnight sort of thing.

It's worth a try before going down the threatening letter route.

Good luck anyway.

Poo