Debit card nightmare.........How is it supposed to work ???

[Nutcracker]

When i had my debit crad (about 8 mths ago) the woman in the bank told me that when ever i used it the amount would automatically be deducted from my on screen balance so i would always know where i stand.
I am almost positive though that this isn't happeneing. Several times now, i have checked my balance and it has seemed incorrect. Usually it is higher than it shoulld be as i know some stuff hasn't gone out. Sometimes (like today) I suddenly find that a load of stuff has been debited, that i brought days and days ago and now i'm nearly overdrawn.
The only thing that gets debited straightaway is when i actually withdraw cash from a machine.
When i use my card in a shop it doesn't seem to be adjusting my balance and i'm getting in a mess.

Am i being thick here or what ??

I already have an overdraft of 475, and my balance is -454 at the mo (awful i know).

I was trying so hard to keep my spending low this month too (or so i thought). Was gonna apply for an increase on my loan, but i've got bugger all chance now.

Ohh i think i need to get a job.

you have entered the buffer zone

I cant beleive banks are using terms like this nowadays, how unprofessional

When's pay day?

nutty these things happen. I hate overdrafts to be honest because once you use it, its like you have minus amounts all the time

Right Nutty, what did you do pre-kids? and what hours can you work?

Tinker it's an additions plus account, so i get charged 12 quid a month

Can't increase my overdraft (tried that before).

Oh well, i'll just have to take the punishment and be extra careful next time.

Oh and get a job......how about a financial adviser

What's the Plus bit? Can you save 4.50 pm and just have a normal Aditions account?

Tinker, i will get paid again next tuesday, but my loan payment will go out so, that will eat that up.

Jampot, pre kids I did not alot really. Left college with no qualifications and worked as a room assistant (cleaner) in a hotel.

I can work Mon, Wed, Fri and Sundays at the mo. When Dd2 starts school in sept I could change that.
Thing is though, would i be any better off cos i'd have to pay for childcare for Ds and Dd.

Can't really remember TBH Tinker. I think it meant i could increase my overdraft limit and a load of other stuff i don't use.

I am hopeles at this sort of thing.

I'd ring the bank now, tell them what's happened and coudl they (temp) increase your od until you get paid - don't want to incur charges etc. Sure tehy will. Mind you it is Barclays Good luck

Hmm well i've tried that before, and they refused.
I think i will go overdrawn by about 5 quid, so maybe with the 25 quid buffer i won't get charged.

Nutty - I know it won't help for now but some pals of mine might be looking for someone to deliver leaflets for their business around Sutton in the next few weeks on a casual basis. Let me know if you're interested. I have texted them to find out how much they'd want to pay.

Yeah i'd definatly be interested Jampot, would depend on exactly when though, cos of the house move.

One bit of good news though. Dp has just called me to say that his wages were wrong and they are going to correct them. He reckons they are down by about 100-200 quid so that'll be a help.

Nutty, If I were you I'd try to go into the bank, see a customer service advisor and tell them you think you're paying over the odds for banking, given that your requirements are pretty straightforward (I'm guessing that bit). ATM you are paying £12 per month , thats £144 per year. They are nicking that (in effect) if you are not using the facilities they offer (probably 'discounted' insurance, free foreign currency, that type of thing). Tell them you want to pay as little in bank charges as possible, or you'll look at moving your account (which you can do, even with an overdraft)

Nobody gets money from me for looking after MY money.

Erm well I could do that i guess, and yes your right about the travel insurance e.t.c., and i never go anywhere.

I have got 30 quid that i am going to pay back in tommorow so i don't go overdrawn so i will speak to them then.