39% interest rate on 'unplanned overdraft' during switching process.

[CJat10]

We used the cards when they arrived. I thought the bank switching service meant they managed the transfer in the background and when cards arrived there was nothing to say don't use them...in fact it encouraged you to change your PIN straight away so we did and then did grocery shop.

Text telling me I'll be charged for unauthorised overdraft so I sat for 30 mins in a queue waiting to check if switching service was working... to be told it will be 39% interest on my grocery shopping

Yes 39% is a reasonable overdraft fee
No 39% seems a little excessive and 30 mins on hold to find out is also poor

A well know British bank (was building society) on the high street btw

The money for my grocery shopping is sitting in the other account BTW....Will transfer today to avoid continuing 39% charges on my cereal, milk, bread etc

I think you’ve got a good chance of getting that cancelled if you complain.

When I’ve done the switching process before I’ve selected a date when the switch will be effective from and you use your old account up to that date and your new account from that date.
I had messages from the new bank telling when I could use the account.
Obviously I got the cards before that date but there was no money in there to use them. I suppose I could have put money in myself.
39% will be their standard unwarranted overdraft charge which they might wave.

So you used cards without actually checking the balance of your account to confirm the switch was complete?