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How do overdrafts work?

We take a look at the different types of overdrafts you can get, how you can set one up and the types of fees you need to watch out for.

01 June 2023Andre Spiteri 7 min read
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In an ideal world you’d always have enough cash to last you until your next payday. However, emergencies and last minute expenses can and do come up. But unless you have a rainy day fund that you can dip into easily, you may consider dipping into your overdraft.

However, it's worth noting that short-term borrowing on a 0% interest credit card will usually work out much cheaper than using your overdraft and it will still give you a reasonable level of flexibility.

There are two types of overdraft: authorised and unplanned. Authorised and unplanned overdrafts work slightly differently from each other. They also carry different interest rates and fees.

Authorised overdrafts

In an authorised overdraft, you agree with your bank in advance that you can borrow up to a certain amount from your account. This is known as your overdraft limit.

Your overdraft limit will depend on your personal circumstances, and will be reviewed periodically. When you first apply, your bank will look at the regular monthly incomings and outgoings in your account, your employment situation and other financial commitments. They may also look at your credit report and score.

Authorised overdrafts usually attract interest, fees or both. Some current accounts also come with an automatic free overdraft, but this is typically very limited compared to what you can get from an authorised overdraft.

Some banks advertise “interest-free overdrafts”. However, the interest-free offer usually only applies to a small part of your overall limit. Anything over this amount will attract interest at the normal rate.

Unplanned overdrafts

Unplanned overdrafts - also known as unauthorised overdrafts - are overdrafts that happen in one of two ways:

  • when you go over the pre-agreed limit on your authorised overdraft

  • when you don’t have an authorised overdraft set up and take out more money than you have in your bank account

An unplanned overdraft tends to be much more expensive than an authorised overdraft, which means it’s best avoided. The applicable charges vary from bank to bank. However, the interest rate and fees are typically higher than those charged on an authorised overdraft.

More importantly, you’ll usually be charged a fee on every transaction you attempt to make while overdrawn. The transaction fee normally applies regardless of whether the transaction actually goes through or not.

Grace periods on unplanned overdrafts: many banks offer grace periods that allow you to rectify the situation if you inadvertently go overdrawn. Typically, you’ll be able to avoid the charges if you top up your bank account within a set time-frame. If you don’t, however, interest and fees will usually start to apply from the moment your account goes overdrawn.

Overdrafts have two main advantages: they’re easy to arrange and they’re very flexible.

Arranging an overdraft

Getting an overdraft is usually simply a question of filling in an online application or calling up your bank. You can usually get an answer within minutes.

Depending on your standing with your bank (meaning how trustworthy they perceive you to be), you may also be able to extend your limit, even temporarily, simply by calling them up.

Flexibility

Flexibility is probably the biggest advantage of an overdraft. Provided you don’t exceed your limit, you’re free to take out as much or as little of your overdraft as you like. And you’ll only pay interest and fees on the actual amount you borrow.

Overdrafts also have flexible repayment terms. You can pay off your overdraft over a number of months (or even sometimes years). Or, alternatively, you can pay it all off in one lump sum without incurring an early repayment fee.

Overdrafts and your credit score: An authorised overdraft is a form of credit. Using it responsibly - that is, borrowing sparingly and repaying it in full - will add positive information to your credit history, which could help to improve your credit score. If, on the other hand, you have long-standing overdraft debts or regularly go into an unplanned overdraft, this can have a harmful effect on your credit score.

Unfortunately, flexibility comes at a cost. Overdrafts have some significant downsides.

- Overdrafts are expensive, even when authorised

Interest, fees and charges are steepest on unplanned overdrafts. However, authorised overdrafts aren’t exactly cheap, either.

The interest rate on most authorised overdrafts currently hovers at around 16% to 17%. While this is slightly lower than the rate on many credit cards, it’s significantly higher than the interest rates on many personal loans.

Many banks also charge overdraft fees in addition to interest, even on authorised overdrafts. These fees are typically in the region of £3 to £6 and they may apply on a daily or monthly basis. When coupled with the interest on the amount you borrow, they’re a double-whammy. Both interest and fees are variable, which means they can change at any time.

Steep overdraft fees are the subject of an ongoing regulatory discussion. Its a controversial issue and is yet to be resolved.

Helpful hint: short-term borrowing on a 0% interest credit card will usually work out much cheaper than using your overdraft and it will still give you a reasonable level of flexibility.

- Overdrafts are repayable on demand

Your bank can demand repayment of any amount outstanding on your overdraft in full at any time. If you’re unable to meet this demand, your bank has the right to take the money directly from any bank account you hold with them.

- Your overdraft limit can change at any time

Your overdraft limit isn’t guaranteed. Your bank will typically review it regularly. Your limit can be revised upwards or downwards, which could leave you with access to less credit than you thought you had.

With that being said, you have a right to file a complaint with the bank or with the Financial Services Ombudsman if your overdraft limit is revised downwards without notice and you incur unplanned overdraft charges as a result.

- It can be hard to clear your overdraft debt

Flexible repayment terms, interest and daily or monthly fees can be a deadly combination if you’re not careful. Interest and fees usually start accruing from day 1, which means your debt can quickly become unmanageable unless you commit to making regular repayments.

First of all, it's okay to be in your overdraft. It’s actually quite common. More than 26 million Brits use their overdraft every year.

But you don’t want to stay in overdraft for long or fall into it often, because banks charge you “overdraft fees” for borrowing their money. Overdraft fees are big business for banks: £2.4 billion in 2017 alone.

Fees vary. They tend to be lower with an Arranged overdraft – meaning you as the account holders agreed to an interest free overdraft limit with your bank in advance. If it is unarranged, fees can be harsher.

Helpfully, as of 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority has said that banks can’t charge you for going over your overdraft limit. They also must charge a single overdraft interest rate (instead of fixed daily or monthly fees.)

As for your credit score, dipping in and out of overdraft won’t impact it. But credit agencies will see if you stay in overdraft and don’t repay the bank for long periods. This will sound some alarms.

Helpful hint: if you’re struggling to repay your overdraft you may want to consider cheaper ways to borrow such as a personal loan. While you’ll need to commit to regular monthly repayments, you may pay less interest and no daily or monthly charges. The more structured repayment schedule may also help you become more accountable and make your debt more manageable.

If you are in overdraft, don't stress. Instead, make a plan to get out and stay out.

Step 1: Figure out how much your overdraft is costing you‍

An overdraft is an expensive way to borrow money. The fees add up fast. A few pence and pounds here and there may not seem like such a big deal, but they can really hurt.

If you find yourself in overdraft the first thing you should do is get visibility of the problem. Find out how much you are being charged and when. Check that you are within your limit of an arranged overdraft, and get on the phone with the bank ASAP if you are in an unarranged overdraft. They may be able to set one up for you on the phone.

For full visibility, you can use an app like ClearScore — which uses open banking technology to securely connect all of your accounts. This will help you to see how much money you pay in overdraft fees month over month.

‍Step 2: Save and budget your way out.

‍If you are within your arranged overdraft, you can calmly work your way out. If you are in an unarranged overdraft, consider the matter urgent. ‍

Slow and steady approach for reducing and getting out of overdraft:‍

If you have time to get out of an arranged overdraft over months, even years if you are in very deep, your issue is likely one of budgeting and saving.

As before, the first step is to get a consolidated view on your spending, bills and accounts all in one place. Having it all laid out and your spending categorised is the best way to see where money is being wasted and where you can pull back. It is also the foundation for creating a budget.

Month over month reduced spending will help to clear your overdraft and bring down overdraft charges. It’s recommended to set a target for yourself (“I’ll be out of my overdraft in 6 months”) and do some quick maths to determine how much less you need to spend each month to do so. ‍

Quick exit approach‍

Don’t waste a moment in your unarranged overdraft if you have a means of getting out. Here are the best ways to avoid overdraft fees:‍

  • Transfer funds. If you have any savings or money you can access, this is a great time to use it. Quickly transfer money to the appropriate account to clear or reduce debts. It’s always best to have a float to avoid an unarranged overdraft, so you can quickly transfer money if, for example, you see a big bill coming up.‍

  • Call your bank. Let them know if you're in a bind. And ask them: Can overdraft fees be waived? Many have ways to assist you. It never hurts to ask. ‍

  • Switch to a 0% interest account or credit card. By moving your overdraft balance to a 0% interest credit card, you effectively remove your overdraft from your bank account. The debt now sits in a new account, which you can pay back over a set period with no interest fees. Although be sure to pay it all back before the 0% interest deal expires.

  • Prioritise your debts. Different accounts and cards charge different interest rates on unpaid debt. Pay your most expensive ones off first, while making at least minimum payments on other debts so you aren’t hit with heavy fines from all fronts. ‍

  • Make a budget. Debt management is important for you now and going forward. As above, you want to make a budget plan to reduce your spending and building up savings, so falling into overdraft will be a thing of the past.


Andre Spiteri Image

Written by Andre Spiteri

Financial Writer

Andre is a former lawyer turned award-winning finance writer.