Long story short, the bank (HSBC) setup an overdraft on my savings account in March to allow me to pay the balance after my mortgage was settled & left £2000 outstanding. Due to irregular salary payments I fell behind with the agreed £200/mth but kept in touch with the bank to let them know the money was coming. The last time I called was about 2 weeks ago when I discussed paying £400 to the account (leaving £900) and then continuing monthly transfers thereafter to clear down the balance. I payed the £400 as promised 1 week later.
But a few days ago the bank, without any warning, took the outstanding balance of £900 from my current account and transferred it into the savings account clearing the overdraft and leaving me with almost £0 in my current account.
I called the bank to query why they had taken this money after an arrangement had been made to pay over a few months. They told me no formal arrangement had in fact been made and they were entitled to take whatever money they needed to clear the balance of the overdraft. They also said a final demand had been sent to me (which I do not recall receiving).
I know it's their money but I really thought an arrangement had been accepted to allow me more time to pay this money. I already transferred £400 this month and then they took the rest leaving me high 'n dry with rent to pay in a week and no more money coming in for a while.
The bank was unwilling to discuss the situation further and said they have no authority to reverse the transfer of the £900 even if they wanted to.
There's probably nothing I can do, at least not quickly, is there?