Overdraft support

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What can I do if I’m having overdraft money worries?

1. Speak to us as early as you can

Your financial wellbeing is our priority. If you’re facing challenges due to a difficult situation or a major life event impacting your finances, reach out to us. We’re here to help find the best solution for you. Remember, discussing your finances with us won’t affect your credit rating, but missing repayments will.

2. Be open and honest when speaking to us.

Being honest about your finances matters because it helps us:

• Understand your circumstances – it enables us to offer the right help and support
• Assess your situation – the more we know, the better we can find a suitable solution for you
• Detect problems early – being upfront helps us address issues before they escalate

If you’re experiencing any financial difficulties, or are worried about your ability to pay your overdraft in the future, call our personal lending team on 0818 200 334, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday to discuss possible options.

Your questions answered

General queries

• Are there any fees and charges relating to my overdraft?

  An overdraft facility fee of €30 applies on negotiation, re-negotiation and annual renewal (anniversary) of a personal overdraft facility. When you use your overdraft, you will be charged interest on the full amount you have overdrawn (even if this is more than your agreed overdraft limit or you have an unauthorised overdraft). The interest rates are available on our website, at your local branch or in your letter of sanction.

  Further information on the fees and charges that apply to your current account

• How do I get my account in credit?

  By doing any of the following:

  • Making an own account transfer using 365 online or mobile app
  • Withdrawing from a deposit account and using it to repay the overdraft (notice periods may apply)
  • Transferring funds from another bank using the BIC and IBAN of the account
  • By making a lodgement in a branch (cheques are subject to clearing)

• How do I reduce my overdraft limit?

  You can reduce a personal overdraft with us over the phone or in your local branch. To reduce your overdraft limit, you need to have more money in your account than the new lower limit you’re requesting. Reduction of overdrafts are permanent.

  • To reduce over the phone – call us on 0818 365 365 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or + 353 1 404 4000 if calling from abroad.
  • To reduce in-branch – visit your local branch or send a written request by post to your local branch. Allow extra time for postage and branch opening times.

  Please note: You need to have more money in your account than the new lower limit in your account during the reduction process. Your account should remain above this limit for 24 hours to ensure the change takes place. For example, if you wish to reduce an overdraft of €1,000 to €500, your account balance must stay above €500 to allow this reduction to take effect.

• How do I cancel my overdraft?

  You can cancel a personal overdraft with us over the phone or in your local branch. To cancel your overdraft, your account must be in credit (above €0). Cancellation of overdrafts are permanent. If you need an overdraft in the future, you can apply for an overdraft facility online or in-person in your local branch.

  • To cancel over the phone – call us on 0818 365 365 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) or + 353 1 404 4000 if calling from abroad.
  • To cancel in-branch – visit your local branch or send a written request by post to your local branch. Allow extra time for postage and branch opening times.

  Please note: Your account must remain in credit during the cancellation process. For example, if you wish to cancel an overdraft of €1,000, your account balance must stay above €0 to allow this cancellation to take effect.

The Central Credit Register (CCR)

• What is the Central Credit Register (CCR)?

  The CCR is a national database of customer and credit agreement information. It is operated by the Central Bank of Ireland under the Credit Reporting Act 2013. All lenders, including Bank of Ireland, must send customers’ personal and credit information to the CCR every month for existing loans of €500 or more. Banks and other financial institutions have access to reports of arrears, repossessions, restructure events and arrangements to deal with arrears. A report containing any of these things, could have a negative effect on your credit rating, making it more difficult for you to borrow from us or other lenders in the future. For example, you may have difficulty getting a loan or other credit.

• Will the Bank of Ireland report my overdraft facility to the Central Credit Register (CCR) if I have exceeded my overdraft limit?

  By law, Bank of Ireland must report an overdraft of €500 or more that has exceeded the agreed overdraft limit to the CCR or to another credit reference agency (if appropriate), on a monthly basis. Remember, if your account falls into arrears it may affect your credit rating and limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Support and advice

• Who can I contact if I have questions or need support on my Overdraft?

  Worried about making your overdraft repayments or you feel you may have difficulties in the future? Call our personal lending team on 0818 200 334, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Remember, the sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can work together to find a possible solution for you.

  You can also get free, independent, and confidential advice from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) at mabs.ie or by calling 0818 07 2000.

• Can I get independent advice about loan repayment difficulties?

  Yes. Here are some independent financial advisory organisations you can contact:

  Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)

  MABS is a free, confidential, and independent service for people in financial difficulty.

  • Phone: 0818 07 2000, 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday
  • Website: mabs.ie
  • Email: helpline@mabs.ie

  Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)

  The ISI is an independent government organisation with a range of solutions to problem debt. It has a regulated network of qualified professionals that can help you get back on track.

  • Phone: 01 764 4200 or text GETHELP to 50015.
  • Website: backontrack.ie

  Citizens Information Board

  The Citizens Information Board is a national agency that provides information and advice on social services. They also run the Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

  • Website: citizensinformationboard.ie

  Central Bank of Ireland

  The Central Bank’s website provides independent information on financial products.

  • Phone: 01 224 5800
  • Website: centralbank.ie

  Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

  The CCPC provides information on financial products.

  • Phone: 01 402 5555
  • Website: ccpc.ie/consumers

  Department of Social Protection

  This website provides information relating to Jobseeker’s Allowance, Mortgage Interest Supplement and other state benefits you may be entitled to.

  • Website: mywelfare.ie

  Office of the Revenue Commissioners

  The Office of the Revenue Commissioners’ website provides information on all tax credits and benefits you may be entitled to.

  • Website: revenue.ie