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This is what you should pay attention to now!Suddenly no more overdraft! Why this case alarms many bank customers
From 1,000 euros to zero – within just a few weeks.
A viewer of “Point 12” suddenly loses his entire overdraft facility. The concern: Did the new Schufa rating get him? Consumer advocates warn that this could happen to others too. You can see what you can do in the video.
“For me it was a restriction on my financial freedom.”
When Michael Maier reads a message in his banking app, he has no idea what will follow. His overdraft facility is reduced. First a little, then even further. A few weeks later the available amount is zero euros. A real shock for the “Point 12” viewer: “For me, that was a restriction on my financial freedom.”
Originally, Michael could overdraw his account by up to 1,000 euros. But from mid-March onwards, new messages from his bank started arriving. The overdraft shrinks step by step until it is completely eliminated at the beginning of April.
Despite repeated requests, the call center employee did not receive a concrete explanation. Instead, he keeps getting similar answers. The bank simply points out that his credit rating has changed.
Michael remains at a loss. According to his own statement, nothing has changed in his financial situation.
Does the new Schufa score have anything to do with this?
The timing of the news is suspicious. Because exactly in mid-March, Schufa will introduce its new rating system. Instead of the previous percentage values, there is now a points system with twelve different categories.
Michael then looks up his data on Bonify. The result shocks him. According to his own statement, his Schufa score used to be around 95 percent. In the new system he now only achieves 685 out of 999 points. He is particularly irritated by why he is missing points. Among other things, he receives deductions because he does not have a credit card and does not repay a real estate loan.
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Consumer advocates are critical of the development
We quickly find other consumers on the Internet who describe similar experiences. Many report significantly worse reviews, even though nothing has changed in their personal data.
In fact, numerous factors are taken into account in the new Schufa system. Points can be deducted if, among other things, people move more frequently, open a new checking account or do not have a real estate loan.
According to its own information, corresponding complaints are also increasing at the consumer advice center. Lawyer Christine Steffen explains: “This change in the score actually hasn’t changed anything at all in my data, but my rating is now a whole level lower.” This could have noticeable consequences in everyday life. In the worst case, a contract will be rejected or an overdraft facility will be terminated.
Reading tip: New Schufa score from March 17, 2026! These twelve criteria now determine your creditworthiness
Consumers should pay attention to this now
The consumer advocate therefore recommends checking your own Schufa score regularly. Every consumer can receive information about their stored data free of charge. This is even possible several times a year.
If you suddenly have problems with credit, overdraft facilities or contracts, you should also ask the respective provider directly what the reasons are.
Happy ending for “Point 12” viewer Michael Maier
Our reporter asks both Schufa and Michael Maier's bank. The answers initially cause confusion. Because according to Schufa, the bank has not carried out any current Schufa queries in the past few months.
Shortly afterwards comes the surprising news: The overdraft facility is raised back to the original 1,000 euros. There is no mention of a Schufa problem in the bank's statement. Instead, the financial institution speaks of a technical error.
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This lifts a huge burden for Michael. “I am extremely relieved because this security is back,” he says. He couldn't fully understand the reasoning. But one thing is certain: “I now sleep more relaxed again.”
So the case ends lightly. The discussion about the new Schufa score will likely continue to concern many consumers. And that's exactly why experts recommend keeping an eye on your own data regularly in the future.
Sources used: own RTL research
