'Missing' payments: What to do if your bank account is affected

An estimated 600,000 bank accounts have been hit by a technical glitch which means wage packets and benefit payments have not gone in as expected.

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Complaints have flooded social media from panicked customers who have bills to pay, and fear any direct debits due to come out with leave them at risk of late payment charges or overdraft fees.

Here's what you need to know - and what to do if you are among those hit.

Which banks have been affected?

• Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)

• NatWest

• Ulster Bank

• Coutts

What is the problem?

RBS spokesman James Abbot has said there was an issue with their "overnight process" which resulted in some customers not having credits or direct debits being applied to their accounts.

Who should I contact?

NatWest customers who are missing payments can call the support helpline on 03457 888444, or visit their local branch. Alternatively, the Support Centre is offering an online service.

RBS customers can call 03457 242424, or visit their local branch.

Ulster Bank customers can call 0800 231232, or visit their local branch.

Will I have to pay charges incurred due to lack of funds?

RBS, which runs all four banks, has assured customers they will not be left out of pocket. It is not yet clear how customers can claim back any automatic charges they are issued with.

When will the money appear - and what can I do in the meantime?

RBS has said it has now fixed the cause of the problem, and is now working "as a matter of urgency" to process all the delayed payments.

In a statement, the company said these would appear "no later than Saturday".

In the meantime, the banks are offering temporary credit if cash is needed urgently. This can be arranged by calling one of the above phone numbers or visiting your local branch.