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COMUNICACIÓN EMPRESARIAL

Actividadad N° 12

Overdrafts

Overdrafts explained

When you go into your overdraft, you’re getting into debt. An overdraft should be
for short-term borrowing or emergencies only. It’s important you manage an
overdraft like any other debt to make sure the costs don’t get out of hand. In This
class we looks at how overdrafts work, how to stop going over your limit and how
to avoid bank charges.

How does an overdraft work?

An overdraft lets you borrow money through your current account by taking out
more money than you have in the account. There’s usually a charge for this.

You can ask your bank for an overdraft – or they might just give you one - but don’t
forget that an overdraft is a type of loan. If you need to borrow money, there might
be cheaper ways to do it. It’s important to always find the cheapest way to borrow.

Types of overdraft

Authorised overdrafts: are arranged in advance, so they’re also known as

‘arranged’ overdrafts. You agree a limit with your bank, and can spend money up
to that limit. Your bank will charge you interest, and sometimes other fees on top.

Unauthorised overdrafts: these are also known as ‘unplanned’ or ‘unarranged’

overdrafts and happen when you spend more than you have in your bank account
without agreeing it in advance. This includes going over the limit of an authorised
overdraft.

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Recent overdraft changes

Major changes affecting your overdraft were introduced in April 2020. Banks used
to charge higher fees for unauthorised overdrafts, but since April 2020 they haven’t
been able to.

Interest on all overdrafts is now charged at a single annual interest rate (APR),
making it easier to compare charges between accounts.

Interest rates from banks and building societies on their overdrafts range from 19%
to 40%.

If you’re worried, unsure or think you’ll be worse off because of these changes,
then:

1. Speak to your bank or building society as soon as possible. They can help
explain your overdraft and, if you’ll be worse off, consider how it can help you
during this change.

2. If you feel vulnerable for any reason, explain your circumstances and your
provider is obliged to take this into consideration.

3. If these changes mean you’ll struggle to pay bills or fall into debt, or you are
already in debt, you should find help as soon as possible

Do you need an overdraft?

Overdrafts can be useful for some people. They can help you avoid fees for
bounced or returned payments. These happen when you try to make a payment
but your account doesn’t have enough money in it.

But overdrafts should only be used for emergencies or as a short-term option.

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If you’re using your overdraft a lot, read our tips below on how to avoid doing this.
They could help you save money. If you find you’re constantly in your overdraft and
don’t have the money to pay it down quickly, it may be cheaper to borrow using a
personal loan or 0% credit card.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that many people underestimate how
much they use their overdrafts. If you’re using your overdraft more than you think, it
could be costing you more than you realise.

Use our Bank account fees and charges comparison tool to see all the fees and
charges that apply to bank accounts – it shows everything from overdraft fees to
foreign cash withdrawal charges.

Search for a better current account

If you don’t use the right account, overdrafts can be one of the most expensive
ways to borrow in the long term. Comparison websites can help you find a current
account tailored to your needs.

Can I switch banks if I’m overdrawn?

Yes, you can switch using the Current Account Switch Service.

You should check you’re getting a better deal before switching your account by
shopping around using comparison tables to help find accounts with overdrafts.
Make sure you check the charges and overdraft rules for each account.

Tips for controlling your overdraft

Keep an eye on your account balance

It may seem obvious but keeping track of your account balance is one of the best
ways to avoid overdraft costs.

Make it as easy as possible by:

 Downloading your bank’s app on your phone

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 Setting up text alerts for when your balance is low

 Using phone banking.

Keep reading your bank’s letters

It’s easy to get in the habit of not opening letters from the bank and assuming
they’re just routine correspondence.

It’s important to check all letters as the bank might be writing to tell you about a
change to your overdraft limit or increase to your overdraft interest rate.

Use savings if you have some

If you have savings as well as an overdraft, it’ll be cheaper in the long run to
use your savings to pay it off. If you then get an unexpected cost, you can still
use your overdraft to pay for it. And if you don’t, you can start building up your
savings again, so you’re ready for that unexpected expense.

Find ways to live on a budget

To lower your overdraft as quickly as possible, cutting back in other places will
help you free up money. The money you save can then be used to pay off your
overdraft.

Switch banks

Switch to a bank account with lower overdraft charges. If you often dip into your
overdraft shop around for one with the lowest charges. You may even be able
to switch to an account with a switching bonus, which will help you to clear your
overdraft.
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If you think you’ve been charged unfairly

If you’ve been charged fees you think are unfair, or if you’re really struggling to
pay, you might be able to get them back.

Don’t go to a claims management firm though – it’s easy and just as effective to
do it yourself, and you won’t have to pay someone else.

Beware – your bank overdraft could be taken away

One reason that an overdraft isn’t safe for long-term borrowing is that it’s not
guaranteed.

The bank could take it away at any time and leave you without any money.

However, if your bank cancels your overdraft with no warning and you are
charged as a result, you might have grounds to complain.

If you complain to your bank and you aren’t satisfied with the outcome, you can
take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

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Diálogo en un banco en inglés sobre una solicitud de préstamo

Dialogue about an application for a bank loan.

1. Vocabulario:

Loan: préstamo

Purchase: comprar

Bank account: cuenta bancaria

Avail: hacer uso

Mortgage: hipoteca

Installment: pago, cuota o mensualidad

2. Ejercicio: lee el siguiente diálogo en el que Julia, quien quiere solicitar un

préstamo en el banco, habla con David, un asesor de prestamos en un banco.
Luego escoge la mejor opción para completar el diálogo.

Julia: Hi, I was wondering if your bank is offering a (1.) ……………………………..

to buy a car. I want to purchase a car for my work but need a loan for that.

David: Yes, Ma’am. We do offer loans (2.)

……………………………………………..a car. Do you have (3.) ……………………
in this bank?

Julia: Yes. I have a bank account here. Actually I have some documents to show
you about my bank details.

David: That’s great. (4.) ………………………………….?

Julia: Yes, here they are!

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David: It seems that you are currently availing two other loans from the bank and
you have not fully repaid the loans (5.) ………………, is it true?

Julia: yes. I have been availing two loans i.e. a home (6.) …………………… loan
and an education loan for my children. Can I get another loan? I have been paying
the monthly installments for the other two loans regularly.

David: (7.) ……………………, Ma’am. You cannot avail three loans at the same
time. You can (8.) …………………….. for another loan when you have paid one of
your current loans to the bank. That’ll be in December and you can apply then.

Julia: Oh! I see. Thank you for your valuable information.

Elija la respuesta corecta que conecte con el dialogo ( vocabulario)

(1.) ………………….

help

loan

money

Incorrect

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