bank charges?

Question

has any one reclaimed bank charges, i really want to try but worried just in case there are hidden catches.
( serious anwers pls)

Answer 1

hi,
i'm currently claiming back from alliance and leicester and abbey and i would strongly recommend its done. they always end up giving it back because they know they cannot go to court stating that charging £25-40 for what cost them a mare few quid is legitimate. the law is on our side... at least for now so grab it back while you can

firstly if like many you dont have you statements for the last 6 years you must request them or a list off all the charges incurred over this time and include a £10 fee (the max they can charge) for them doing so. they have 40 days in which to reply to you if not you should follow up with a phone call and report them to the Information Commissioner.

once you've sent it off they will send you either all you statements for the last 6 yrs or a list. compile all the charges and total them. write to them again with the details of the total. you can also include any interest charged whilst you were in unauthorised overdraft. and interest for oportunity costs which is 8% from the day of your first charge. however they are not entitled to give you this additional 8% unless it actually gets to court. all this does is gives them a bit of incentive to pay up instead of getting into court because once there you can add interest compensation for stress and your legal costs to the bill, but it should all be stated in the letters.

once thats done they may write to you trying to convince you the charges are legal, DONT BUY IT. or they may offer you a partial settlement. its up to you to accept this if you feel its satisfactory. or you could accept letting them know that you'd expect the rest in the near future. however most strongly recommend you go for all.

if they dont want to pay up file a judgement against them in the small claims court and if necessary call in the bailiffs

they SHOULD NOT close you account but may try to. the Financial Ombudsmen has ruled against them doing so, so if they do you're allowed to report them and could be entitled to further compensation. however they may put you down on their systems as a difficult customer and they may not make things too sweet afterwards

from what i've read most cases are dealt with in 2 months but i'm sure some are done quicker, then again banks may want to hold on to the money for as long as they can to earn interest.

what most important to remember is if you do get to court you should be properly prepared as ill preparation could cost you to lose. although very few banks send someone to defend them resulting in your immediate victory.

what you should always remember is they will try to convince you they are legal charges, like Alliance and Leicester is trying to do to me now. But press ahead like a charging bull because the masses who've been re-imbursed cant all be wrong.
know i've provided way more info but hope it all helps and good luck

Answer 2

My friend also claimed and said money given back quite quickly but what they did do was cancel her overdraft straight away and then closed her account which they are in the right to do.
I worked out they owe me £200 so thought not worth the hassle, but if they owed my thousands it would be different!

Answer 3

I have claimed back bank charges on my business account without any difficulties. Give them a call and explain why you feel you are entitled to being re-credited.

Answer 4

yes mine are on their way loadddddddds. why not get yours back i can not believe they charge all that when it only cost them from £2 up to £4 and they have the cheek to charge £30.

Answer 5

My friend calimed them back, and it only took three weeks and he said he was really easy.

Answer 6

Go for it sweetie, you can't loose.