Bank Account Charges

If you exceed your overdraft limit, expect to pay a large interest rate charge.

Bank	Unauthorised overdraft typical rate	Unauthorised fees	In credit interest rate
Barclays	27.5%	A-£10 / B-£10 / C-£15	0.10%
Halifax	24.2%	A-£28 / B-£20 / C-£20	2.02%
HSBC	15.9%	-	0.10%
Lloyds TSB	29.8%	A-£30 / – / C-£35	0.10%
NatWest	18.8%	A-£28 / B-£30 / C-£38	0.10%
Abbey	28.7%	A-£20 / B-£30 / C-£35	1.49%
Co-operative	32.9%	A-£35 / – / C-£35	-
Smile	25.0%	A-£5 / – / C-£25	3.04%
Royal Bank of Scotland	29.8%	A-£28 / B-£30 / C-£38	2.02%
Ulster Bank	12.7%	A-£30 / B-£30 / C-£30	2.02%
Bank of Scotland	24.2%	A-£28 / B-£20 / C-£20	2.02%

A – Unauthorised overdraft monthly fee
B – For each item paid which results in an unauthorised overdraft or while you have an unauthorised overdraft
C – For each bounced standing order/cheque/direct debit

As tempting it is to go for the largest amount, it is vital to remember the money does have to be paid back, and some banks expect full payment much quicker than others.