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What is an Overdraft?

Helping you understand
Overdrafts

To apply for a Royal Bank of Scotland Overdraft you must be a UK resident, 18 or over and have an eligible Royal Bank of Scotland current account. Subject to approval. 

On this page
Understanding the basics
About the costs
Help to stay in control
Check if you're eligible
Cost calculator
Set up an overdraft

What is an Overdraft?

  • There are two types of Overdraft: Arranged and Unarranged.
  • An Arranged Overdraft is when we agree to a limit that lets you spend a bit more money than you have in your current account.
  • An Unarranged Overdraft is when you spend more money than you have and you haven’t previously arranged an overdraft limit with us or you have exceeded your existing overdraft limit.
  • It is important to remember that both types of overdraft have associated charges.

How do Overdrafts work?

  • An overdraft lets you borrow extra money through your current account. For example, if you have no money left in your account and you spend £30, your balance would be -£30. This means you’re using an overdraft.
  • An overdraft is a form of debt and is repayable on demand. Always make sure you have enough money in your current account, or a suitable Arranged Overdraft limit in place before any payments are due to come out of your account.
  • An Arranged Overdraft could help you manage your money if you have to cover short-term expenses such as an unexpected bill.

How much does my overdraft cost in pounds and pence?

Here we can show you an example of the interest cost when you use a £500 arranged overdraft.

Time period

Interest cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time period

Interest Cost

7 days

£1.72

30 days

£7.37

60 days

£14.85
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 19.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 19.49% APR (variable).

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£3.24

30 days

£13.87

60 days

£28.13
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 39.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 39.49% APR (variable). Assumed credit limit: £1,200.

Time Period

Interest Cost

7 days

£1.72

30 days

£7.37

60 days

£14.85
Representative Example: Effective Annual Rate: 19.49% EAR (variable). Representative APR: 19.49% APR (variable).

Learn more about Unarranged Overdrafts

Tools to help you out

See if you'll be accepted before you apply

Have a shot of our eligibility checker tool, which will help you understand if you’ll be accepted for an overdraft before you start an application. It only takes a couple of minutes and it won’t harm your credit rating.

Eligibility checker

Find out how much you'll pay in interest

Our cost checker tool allows you to see how much interest you’ll pay based on how much you plan to borrow, and how regularly you want to use it.

Cost checker

Help to stay in control of your spending

Mobile Banking App

Our Mobile Banking App helps you keep track of your spending on the go. Keep an eye on money coming in and out of your account.
Mobile Banking App

Free Text Alerts

You can set up free text alerts and get notifications when your balance goes above or below a certain limit. We can also let you know if you're about to slip into an Unarranged Overdraft.
Set Up Text Alerts

Only pay interest if you use it

No usage fees or other charges, and you'll only pay interest on the amount you use.
What's the cost?

Our app is available to customers with Digital Banking and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

Ready to set up an Overdraft?

You can apply for an Arranged Overdraft online if you are registered for digital banking. Compare our range of overdrafts and decide if there is one that's right for you.

To apply, you must be a UK resident, 18+ and have an eligible Royal Bank of Scotland current account. Subject to approval.

Compare Overdrafts

Not sure an Overdraft is for you?

If you're unsure which type of borrowing to use, our Borrowing Options Tool can help you find out if a loan, a credit card or an overdraft is right for you.

Compare your borrowing options

Something else we can help you with?

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