Ulster Bank to cut some charges
The Ulster Bank plans to cut some
overdraft
charges
The Ulster Bank has announced plans to reduce charges for customers with unauthorised overdrafts.
The charge for an unpaid item will be cut from £30 to £10 while a referral fee will be cut from £30 to £15.
Last week, the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland criticised some banks for charging 'excessive' fees for duplicate statements.
The changes will be introduced from October 1.
The Chief Executive, Retail Markets, for the Ulster Bank, Mike Bamber, said the bank hoped the announcement would help customers in 'difficult financial times'.
"Today's announcement is good news for Ulster Bank customers in Northern Ireland," Mr Bamber said.
"We understand that customers are facing challenges at this difficult time and today's announcement will help those customers who find themselves in a situation where they may attract these fees."
An unpaid item fee arises when there are insufficient funds in the customer's account and an item such as a cheque or a
direct debit
is not paid.
A paid referral fee is charged when a cheque, standing order, or direct debit is paid despite there being insufficient funds in the account.
The move has been welcomed by the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, Antoinette McKeown.
"The Consumer Council welcomes the announcement by Ulster Bank today that it is to reduce its charges for slipping into the red from October 1," she said.
"It is a step in the right direction, particularly as many people are struggling to make ends meet."