Bank overdraft fees

[Cherrypie32]

I stupidly didn't check bank funds for about a week and logged in this morning to find I'm approx £150 over my overdraft limit over several small transactions. I know I should be more careful but is it right that my bank accepted these transactions knowing I didn't have funds and will want to charge me £25 each one for doing so? I would much prefer my card was declined so it couldn't happen. They wouldn't give me cash from a machine so clearly they know the money's not there. Can I contest their charges??

They will accept small transactions as most people would be more upset that their card was declined or a DD failed to be paid for the sake of a few £s overdrawn. Also there's a matter of timing. Cash withdrawals are instant and real time. Debits and other payments can take a few days to clear. You have until close of play each day to get your account back in the black before the charges apply. Yes, you can contest the charges and MoneySavingExpert has some guidance on how to do that.