I have heard that you can claim back your bank charges from your bank but I don't know how to go about starting off the whole process. Does anybody know where I start and the process thereafter? Many thanks.
2007-01-18 06:12:59 · 11 answers · asked by mangachiquita 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
http://www.glasgowstudent.net/advice/bankcharges/
This website should be helpful
2007-01-18 06:17:01 · answer #1 · answered by Bonita Applebaum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having recently successfully reclaimed bank charges, relating to my own bank account. I can advise you of the process:-
You can claim all bank charges made, for a period of up to 6 years. You will need to get copies of all relevant bank statements for this period - if you do not have them all, the bank have duty to provide them to you, upon request. (best to make your request in writing - keeping a copy of your letter)
Once you have all the relevant details, you can then calculate all the charges - charges for non payment of direct debits, unauthorised overdraft and charges for cheques not honoured, are all reclaimable.
So once you have a total figure, the next step is to start a claim against your bank. You can download the relevant 'claim forms' on-line at www.hmcourt.org.uk (go to court forms & guidance then 'small claims' forms) In fact you can fill the form in on-line and then print it off - much neater than hand written. You cannot store your form on-line.
There will also be much guidance on the process, ie: no of copies required etc.
But the main thing is to send a complete set of the completed forms, along with any payment (usually £30 unless you are on benefits, in which case - you can complete an exemption form also and send with your claim against the bank).
Dont forget to keep a copy of any forms sent - for reference.
You will then receive acknowledgement from the Court (your local County Court) advising that the papers have been served on the 'defendants' (your bank) and will give a deadline (number of days) they have to respond to the claim.
Now just sit back and wait ! Wont be long before you receive acknowledgement and most probably a full refund of all charges claimed - the total amount being credited to your account.
A WORD OF WARNING: there is a minimal risk, not knowing who you bank with, that they MAY close your account after the event. At the very least, they will warn you of any future claims of this nature, it would result in your account with them being closed. So exercise a little bit of caution.
To find out more and get some insight as the the Actual banks that have closed peoples accounts, following a successful claim of charges against them, visit a site called www.bankchargeshell.com they can give you all the advice and infomation you need - just in case your a bit worried about your bank's reaction to a claim.
In any event, do not be fooled by any organisations offering a NO WIN NO FEE set up, for claiming charges on your behalf. It is a scam, where people are offering such a service as it incurs them "no cost at all", so they can make a 'quick buck' at your expense. You should have 'no charges at all', except the 'Court Fee' - only applicable if you are working.
Hope this info is helpful and whatever you decide to do GOOD LUCK! It worked for me and I was amazed at the simplicity of it all!
2007-01-19 13:09:25 · answer #2 · answered by Francoise P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, we have already done this and been successful. You can claim back for the last 6 years. You need to start the process as soon as you can. This is the link to the web site you need, it's very good and they tell you what to do step by step. It helps you with wording the letters too.
Do not be put off by the bank saying no and setting court dates etc. that's normal and part of the process. No case has ever gone to court, they always pays up before that happens. It can go right up to the last minute....don't panic
Link :http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1141050760,24632#step
Best wishes.
2007-01-18 14:21:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start by asking your bank for copies of all your statements for the last 6 years(they will charge you£10) then add up all the charges(not any interest) then write and tell your bank that you want the charges refunded with in 14 days or you are going to start legal proceedings. They will normally try to stall but dont let it worry you. I have just done it and got loads back.
2007-01-19 09:44:00 · answer #4 · answered by collettehughes2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First read this article from the BBC's Money Programme - it made big news recently.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6169539.stm
The guy who successfully reclaimed his money has set up a campaign/forum/website and can tell you what to do. His link is here. So far, the website followers have claimed back over £800,000.
http://www.penaltycharges.co.uk/main_bank_charges.php
2007-01-18 18:11:34 · answer #5 · answered by goulash 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that is wishful thinking.
Bank charges are just that. If you could get them back nobody would pay them and the banks wouldn't bother trying to impose them.
2007-01-18 14:21:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quite simply log on to Money Saving Expert.com for all the help you need ,sorted!
2007-01-18 14:22:57 · answer #7 · answered by tonytucks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to bbc.co.uk. they have templates on the letters to send. i recently claimed back 3 years of overdraft charges. good luck
2007-01-19 08:54:54 · answer #8 · answered by lisa_t197 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go into your local branch and discuss it with a representative.
2007-01-18 14:20:12 · answer #9 · answered by Smitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Balaclava and a shotgun?
2007-01-18 14:21:06 · answer #10 · answered by Mighty Hammer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋