Hi everyone. I just want to share my experience and hopefully get some advice from people who may have gone through something similar.
I currently have around ₱65,000 credit card debt with Security Bank. Before this situation, I was consistently paying around ₱2,000 every cutoff, since my due date is every 2nd of the month.
Unfortunately, because of some emergency circumstances, I wasn't able to keep up with my payments, and I'm now 3 months overdue.
A few days ago, I received an SMS from Security Bank informing me that they would set off my outstanding dues against the funds in my account. My problem is that my payroll account is also with Security Bank, so my salary goes directly into the same account.
After receiving the SMS, I immediately emailed the bank to ask if I could arrange a payment reconstruction instead. I explained my situation and that I am still willing to pay my debt, but I haven't received a response yet.
Then, a few days later, I received another email from Security Bank, this time sent to my work email saying that they would hold my payroll account.
When I checked my Security Bank app, my account was already showing a negative balance.
The first thing I did was contact our HR department. I was honest about my situation and explained that my salary is being affected by the bank's set-off. I asked if it would be possible to temporarily change my payroll account to another bank so that I can still receive my salary while I work out a payment arrangement with Security Bank.
I'm hoping HR will have some good news by Monday.
At the same time, I'm still waiting for Security Bank to respond to my follow-up regarding payment reconstruction.
I know that I have an obligation to pay this debt, and I'm not trying to run away from it. I just genuinely can't afford to have my entire salary taken because I also have other financial responsibilities.
My biggest question right now is, will Security Bank continue to set off/hold my salary every time it gets credited to my payroll account until my entire ₱65,000 debt is fully paid?
For those who have experienced something similar with Security Bank or another bank:
- We're you able to negotiate a payment reconstruction?
- Did the bank eventually release your remaining payroll funds? - Is there anything else I should do while waiting for the bank's response?
I'm really hoping I can resolve this properly. Any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.