We want to help you avoid paying unarranged overdraft charges. If your account is not in credit, or if you go over your agreed overdraft limit, you will be charged. To help you avoid these charges, here are some tips to help keep you on top of your account balance at all times.

1. Know your balance

Checking your balance regularly could help you avoid going overdrawn. You can do this in many ways:

Online Banking

Stay in control 24/7 by signing up to Anytime Banking. It's free, secure and easy to sign up to.

• Check your balances.
• Manage your account online.

Mobile Banking

We've a range of free mobile banking services that will help you manage your money - wherever you are:

Free balance text alerts

Helps you keep track of your money on the move and is easy to use.

• Sign up to text alerts online in less than 5 minutes.
• Set a maximum and minimum limit on your account.
• We'll text you when you reach your pre-set limits.

So, for example, if you are about to go overdrawn, you can lodge money into your account which helps you avoid charges. With our mobile banking service you can also receive weekly balance updates and quick statements.

Free Banking App for iPhone

With this great app you can check your balance online, view mini statements and set up text alerts.

Register for Phone Banking services with your Ulster Bank Visa Debit serviceCARD or debitCARD and mobile phone handy.

ATM Machines

Check your balance regularly at any Ulster Bank cash machine, any time day or night and its free to use.

2. Plan ahead

Knowing exactly where you stand with your money will enable you to plan ahead and manage your outgoings.

• Write down what money is coming in and what needs to go out each month.
• Set up standing orders and direct debits to pay your monthly bills.
• A good time for payments to leave your account is just after you've been paid.
• If you need help to organise your finances you could avail of a free Customer Service Review in your local branch.

3. Consider your options

Due to unforeseen circumstances and expenses, you may sometimes need flexibility. We've a range of borrowing options that could help you through these times. These are:

Arranged overdraft

Although not the cheapest option, it can offer real flexibility for your short term money requirements.

• Helps to meet immediate needs.
• Apply for an agreed overdraft limit to suit your finances.
• Overdraft interest will be payable.

Credit card

A flexible way to borrow but should be carefully managed as it can be easy to overspend. Follow these simple rules to manage your credit card debts and avoid unnecessary charges:

• Ensure your outstanding balance is paid on time. You could set up a direct debit to make your regular monthly payments to your credit card.
• You should aim to pay off your balance in full and on time every month.

Personal loan

A borrowing option that could work out to be less expensive in the short term than the options above - though because a personal loan runs over a longer term you may then pay more in interest. For fixed rate personal loans the interest rate is set from the outset so you know what to budget for each month. Choose from a range of repayment terms - up to 5 years for loans of less than £10,000.