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Temporary arranged overdraft support

A helping hand with the rising cost of living

With prices continuing to rise sharply, we're doing our best to help wherever we can. That's why we've introduced some temporary support so if you're finding things tough, you can pay less for arranged overdraft borrowing on our 1st Account.

If you're with us and have an arranged overdraft (one you have agreed in advance), you'll already know we don't charge interest on the first £250. Now, you can also opt in to our temporary support which means we won't charge you interest on your arranged overdraft up to and including £500 for 12 months.

Just so you know:

  • you can only opt in to this temporary support if you already have an arranged overdraft of £250 or more
  • after the 12 months is over, your overdraft will go back to it's standard charges (see table for details).
Current account Interest free amount Interest rate above the free amount
Current accountOverdraft pricing during the 12-month period Interest free amount£500 Interest rate above the free amount39.9% EAR variable
Current accountOverdraft pricing after the 12-month period Interest free amount£250
 Interest rate above the free amount39.9% EAR variable

Representative example: 0% EAR (variable) on the first £500, 39.9% EAR (variable) on anything above that, giving a representative annual percentage rate (APR) of 21.8% APR (variable). Based on an arranged overdraft of £1,200.

How does our overdraft compare? The representative APR shows the cost of borrowing over a year, so you can use it to compare the cost of our overdraft against other overdrafts and ways of borrowing.

It's also worth bearing in mind:

  • these rates won’t apply if you have an account with a 'negotiated rate' (where we’ve agreed a different rate for your overdraft with you).
  • this temporary support is designed to help customers having financial difficulties because of the rising cost of living so please only ask for this support if you need it.
  • asking for this support won't affect your credit file.

How do I ask for the temporary support?

Just fill out our short online form. As part of this you’ll need to confirm your: 

  • name and address
  • sort code
  • account number

If you don't have your sort code and account number to hand, you can find these on your debit card, statements or the account summary screen in of our App or Online Banking. 

If your overdraft is on a joint account, only 1 of you needs to complete the form but please make sure you have the other account holder’s permission before submitting it.

Once we’ve processed your request, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. This could take up to 7 working days as we’re expecting a lot of requests, so please bear with us.

Just so you know:

  • we'll let you know by email or letter but we won’t be able to tell you over the phone.
  • if your mailing preference is set to paper, it could take up to 3 weeks to receive your confirmation letter.
Apply for temporary arranged overdraft support

If you need help with this form, please contact us.

How does it work?

If we can offer you this temporary support, we'll make borrowing up to £500 interest free on all arranged overdrafts you have on eligible accounts with us (including joint ones) from the date detailed shown in your confirmation email or letter.

If you enter joint account details, support will be added to ALL eligible accounts for both parties.

If you enter sole account details, support will be added to ALL eligible accounts for that party only. This includes joint accounts where applicable.

When you're getting close to the end of the 12 months we'll let you know the interest-free period is ending, that your overdraft will go back to it's standard charges and how to get more help if you need it. 

This is only temporary so it doesn't change your current terms, these will stay the same. If you'd like a higher arranged overdraft limit, we'll decide this in the same way as any normal application, including a credit search that will show on your credit file. You can find more information about applying on our Overdrafts page. If your current overdraft limit is less than £500 and you choose to apply for an increase, you'll need to come back to this page and complete our online form, once your application is approved. 

 

Will this affect my credit rating?

Only if you apply for a new overdraft or to increase your current arranged limit. 

It's worth bearing in mind:

  • if you go into an unarranged overdraft (one you haven't agreed in advance) we can't guarantee your payments will be made.
  • if an account is in an unarranged overdraft for 30 or more days, we will need to report this to credit reference agencies which can make it more difficult for you to get credit in the future - we really don't want to get to that stage so if you think your account might go over it's limit, please get in touch and we'll do everything we can to help.

Where can I get help or advice?

If you’re worried about your money, please get in touch as soon as possible. You can chat with us in our app or via online banking.

If you prefer you can also find help by visiting our cost of living hub.

You can also get free independent advice from:

Frequently asked questions