The three balance trick: I know how it works

[Nattie]

This will explain the three balance trick. I go to the ATM and get a balance and then I go into a branch and get a different balance and then I get home a get a third balance even though I have not made a single transaction. How does that happen?

It is not a trick, the atm gives a balance excluding uncleared cheques, the branch gives me a balance which is cleared funds excluding the overdraft on my account. When i get home, the overdraft facility is included in my available funds and is therefore the third balance I have been given.
The THREE BALANCE trick.

BBC: can I be on the next programme of the real Hustle? Please please please???!!

[Nattie]

Re: The three balance trick: I know how it works

BUMP cos a few people have asked me about this.(as in where is this article).

[argentarius]

Re: The three balance trick: I know how it works

I think your explanation is NatWest specific.

One of the main problems of the "traditional banks" is that they only show a single balance on their ATMs, whereas the "newer banks" tend to show both a balance and an available balance.

"Balance" is something like the ledger balance; "available balance" is ledger balance, less uncleared credits, less unposted but authorised debits, plus authorised overdraft limit.

[Nattie]

Re: The three balance trick: I know how it works

Well, there is balance of the account shall we say uncleared, cleared, and then there is available funds(does that make sense?) So balance at ATM goes to zero excluding overdraft.
Balance at branch could be cleared funds. And online someone could mistake available funds for a third different balance.