Glossary of the terms

Term Definition
Maintaining the accountThe account provider operates the account for use by the customer.
Arranged overdraftThe account provider and the customer agree in advance that the customer may borrow money when there is no money left in the account. The agreement determines a maximum amount that can be borrowed, and whether fees and interest will be charged to the customer.
Unarranged overdraftThe customer borrows money when there is no money left in the account (or when the customer has gone past their arranged overdraft limit) and this has not been agreed with the account provider in advance.
Refusing a payment due to lack of fundsThe account provider refuses a payment from the customer's account because there is not enough money in it (or it would take the customer past their arranged overdraft limit).
Allowing a payment despite lack of fundsThe account provider allows a payment to be made from the customer's account although there is not enough money in it (or it would take the customer past their arranged overdraft limit).
Direct debitThe customer permits someone else (recipient) to instruct the account provider to transfer money from the customer's account to that recipient. The account provider then transfers money to the recipient on a date or dates agreed by the customer and the recipient. The amount may vary.
Standing orderThe account provider makes regular transfers, on the instruction of the customer, of a fixed amount of money from the customer's account to another account.
Sending money within the UKThe account provider transfers money, on the instruction of the customer, from the customer's account to another account in the UK.
Sending money outside the UKThe account provider transfers money, on the instruction of the customer, from the customer's account to another account outside the UK.
Receiving money from outside the UKWhen money is sent to the customer's account from an account outside the UK.
Cash withdrawal in pounds in the UKThe customer takes cash out of the customer's account in pounds at a cash machine, bank or Post Office in the UK.
Cash withdrawal in foreign currency outside the UKThe customer takes cash out of the customer's account in foreign currency at a cash machine or, where available, at a bank outside the UK.
Debit card payment in poundsThe customer uses their debit card to make a payment in pounds. This can be in a shop, online or over the phone.
Debit card payment in a foreign currencyThe customer uses their debit card to make a payment in foreign currency. This can be in a shop, online or over the phone.
Cancelling a chequeThe customer asks the account provider to cancel a cheque that the customer has written.