What Is the balance provisioned? Find out what to do

You might experience the following situation: you arrive at the bank to withdraw money from your account and find that you have a funded balance. From then on, you can't withdraw that amount.

But do you know what a provisioned balance is and how it works? In this article, we'll provide you with the information you need to understand this term and how it can affect your account.

Follow our article and discover all the information.

What is a provisioned balance?

The provisioned balance is an amount or set of values previously defined to be automatically debited from your bank account, with the aim of ensuring payment of outstanding debts to the financial institution.

In other words, if you have a financial commitment, such as a loan or overdraft, the bank may withhold part of your available balance, preventing you from making withdrawals or transfers until the debt is paid off.

This prevents the debt from being ignored or neglected, ensuring financial security and stability for both the customer and the financial institution. It's worth remembering that, even with a provisioned balance, it's important to keep your finances up to date and avoid taking on financial commitments beyond your ability to pay.

Why is the balance provisioned?

The provisioned balance can occur in several situations, such as:

• Loans: When you take out a loan with a bank or financial institution, it is common for part of the available balance in your account to be blocked to guarantee payment of the installments.
• Overdraft: If you use your overdraft limit, the bank may retain part of your available balance to guarantee payment of interest and the amount used.
• Bill Payment: If you have automatic debit for any bill, such as electricity, water, telephone, or credit card, the bank may withhold part of your available balance to ensure that these bills are paid in full.
• Outstanding debts: If you have any outstanding debts with the bank, such as unpaid loan installments, the bank may withhold part of your available balance to guarantee payment of these debts.

Therefore, if you have a scheduled debt with the bank, you may have a provisioned balance.

Does the provisioned balance require authorization?

Generally, no specific authorization from the customer is required for the balance to be provisioned. In most cases, the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, overdraft, or other financial agreements already provide for the possibility of withholding the available balance in the account to guarantee payment of outstanding debts.

However, it is important to highlight that, according to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), it is illegal for banks to use the account holder's salary, deposited by the employer, to pay off debts with the institution, even if there are clauses allowing such practice in the membership contract.

Quota resources, PIS/PASEP bonuses and FGTS cannot be automatically debited to pay off outstanding debts, bank fees, interest or replenish the account limit.

The Consumer Protection and Defense Program (PROCON) classifies these charges as abusive, and states that the customer should have the right to choose what their money will be used for.

Can every deposit become a provisioned balance?

As we mentioned above, according to the law, deposits are not allowed to become a provisioned balance, although some financial institutions insist on doing so.

By law, resources such as salaries, FGTS (Unemployment Fund for Severance Indemnity), and others cannot be withheld, as it is up to the individual to decide what to do with their money. This also applies to deposits made with the bank.

Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the money deposited so that it does not become a provisioned balance.

I have a provisioned balance, what should I do?

If you notice that your bank account balance is listed as an accrued balance, it's important to identify the source of the debt that led to this situation.

If you believe your provisioned balance has been used illegally, the next step is to contact the bank immediately to negotiate a refund.

If the bank does not comply with your request, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance to guarantee your rights.

However, it's crucial to remember that to be successful in your claim, you'll need to provide solid evidence to support your case. Therefore, be sure to keep all bank statements and other relevant documents related to the matter.

What can I do to avoid entering the provisioned balance?

There are several precautions you can take to organize your finances and prevent your money from reaching your provisioned balance. To prevent this from happening, it's important to maintain strict control over your personal finances. Here are some business days:

• Create a budget: It's important to create a budget to control your spending and ensure you're not spending more than you can afford. Make a list of all your monthly expenses and compare them to your income. Try to cut unnecessary expenses and set aside some money for savings.
• Pay your bills on time: Late payments are one of the main reasons for overdrafts. Make sure you pay all your bills on time to avoid interest and penalties. If you're facing financial hardship, contact your creditors to discuss alternative payment options.
• Avoid excessive credit card use: Use your credit card sparingly and try to pay the full amount of your bill each month. Avoid accumulating debt with high interest rates that can lead to an overdraft.
• Maintain an emergency fund: Always have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This way, you won't need to resort to loans or credit cards to cover these expenses, which can deplete your provisioned balance.
• Keep an eye on your banking transactions: Check your bank account balance regularly and monitor all transactions. If you notice anything unusual, contact your bank immediately to investigate the issue.

How do I cancel the provisioned balance?

If you notice that there is a balance accrued in your bank account and you wish to cancel it, it is important to contact your bank for more information about the situation.

Here are some steps that can help you cancel your provisioned balance:

• Identify the source of the provisioned balance: Find out the source of the debt that led to the provisioned balance. Contact your bank and ask for more information about the debt and why it led to this situation.
• Negotiate with the bank: If you discover that the provisioned balance is valid, try to negotiate with the bank to pay off the debt and cancel the provisioned balance. Sometimes, the bank may allow you to pay in installments or offer a reduction in interest.
• Check for illegal charges: If you believe your provisioned balance has been used illegally, it's important to file a formal complaint with your bank and the relevant regulatory bodies.
• Seek legal help: If the bank refuses to cooperate or if you believe your rights are being violated, consider seeking legal help. A lawyer can help you take the necessary legal action to cancel the provisioned balance.
• Keep all evidence: It's important to keep records of all your bank transactions, statements, and other relevant evidence related to the outstanding balance issue. These documents can be useful if you need to seek legal help to resolve the situation.

Frequently asked questions

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