Know what your account charges
Check the tariff for arranged overdraft interest, unpaid-payment fees, packaged-account monthly fees, cash withdrawals and foreign-currency spending. Do not assume a long-held account is still good value.
Treat an overdraft as debt
An overdraft is borrowing, not extra income. If you regularly finish the month overdrawn, include the balance and interest in your debt plan rather than resetting mentally when salary arrives.
Create an alert before the danger point
Use banking alerts for low balances and upcoming payments. Keep a small bills buffer if possible and schedule regular payments shortly after reliable income arrives.
Check packaged-account value
If you pay monthly for insurance or other benefits, list what you actually use and what equivalent cover would cost separately. Cancel or switch if the package no longer earns its fee.
Ask for help if charges worsen hardship
If bank charges are making it difficult to afford essentials, contact the bank and explain the situation. MoneyHelper notes that firms should consider appropriate support; complaints can also be escalated through the formal complaints process where necessary.
Related guides
General information only. Fees and account terms vary by provider.