2007-03-19 09:31:03 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Get proof that it wasn't your fault!
For example, we had a direct deposit set up for our checking account and a separate direct deposit for our savings account. Payroll mixed the account numbers up...$100.00 went into our checking account and the rest into our savings account. We got a letter from the Payroll office at my husband's work and the bank reversed all charges as well as the companies where the checks did not go through.
If you can't prove an error, sometimes banks are willing to help you out if you are not a "repeat offender". But more often than not, you will have to pay the fees.
It never hurts to call the bank and explain the situation and see what they would need from you to get the charges back into your account.
2007-03-19 09:38:24 · answer #1 · answered by Older Sister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is worth the effort, despite what csuckdart earlier, unless you are so good that you've only paid less than £100 penalty fees over the last 6 years.
In fact, it is very little effort at all. Writing one or two (possibly three) letters by copying a template and just inserting your details after sitting down with a calculator and some statements for a little while. That's all it takes. You don't even need to do all statements for 6 years, you can look at several months worth and put in an estimated claim, and then the bank has to work it out (or send you all statements and ask you to do it.)
I've spent around 4 hours total sorting out my boyfriend's - that includes writing the letters and checking through statements etc.
So far one bank has refunded the full £140 claimed after only one letter, which is not a bad return for 4 hours work even if that had been the only claim we made. Another bank is currently considering a claim for over £3000 that is also included in that 4 hours work.
I've just spent around 6 hours putting in my own claims and should be getting back just over £2000. Again, a pretty good return for my time I think.
I've used the BBC site as a guide and their letter templates: www.bbc.co.uk/moneyprogramme
2007-03-21 14:53:02 · answer #2 · answered by grown-up 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about getting back all of the bank charges, but I know all banks give their customers 1 free over draft reversal a year. You just need to call them up if you go over and they reverse the 30 charge.
2007-03-19 16:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by piranha360 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm currently in the process with HSBC.My wife is with Abbey and after writing a letter stating she had been financially disadvantaged due the charges and that she wished to complain, she recouped 300 quid.
Remember to use the words 'Complain' 'Material inconvenience' and 'Financially Disadvantage' as these are all terms used within the financial industry to recognise as a serious complaint. Always remember if you are not happy with any results you can take your case to the 'Financial Ombudsman' Who are an independent body who will investigate your case for you.
Good luck
2007-03-19 16:35:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My bank have agreed to refund all of mine on two accounts, one closed. They tried to fob me off to begin with saying the financial ombudsman had only looked into credit card fees, but I told him that I knew what I was talking about and if they could just justify the fees then I would be happy paying them, to which they said in the circumstances they would refund all my money!!! I found phoning them helped deal with it quicker, they told me they get 120 new cases a day so they probably want to deal with it quicker too!
In total it`s taken just over a month for them to agree to pay out, I should receive the money within 14 days. There are loads of great websites out that that have template letters and forums which have stories from people that have claimed theirs back from all the major banks so I`d check these out and see if there are any stories about your bank.
Sweetie go for it, as far as I can see no bank have refused to pay out, even if it means you taking them to court, sounds scary but they normally pay out at the eleventh hour and they have to refund your costs. Good luck.
2007-03-21 17:42:38 · answer #5 · answered by SarahLee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My colleagues are all trying to get them back. I know so many people who have already.
Go to: http://www.bank-charges.co.uk/index.htm
This website gives you a template for a letter you can send the bank for any bank charges you've incurred over the last 6 years.
2007-03-19 16:35:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bank made a mistake and put my deposit in my husband's account instead of our joint account or my personal household account. I didn't have to pay the NSF fees on returned checks.
2007-03-19 16:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by bomullock 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brother in law claimed for £2000, they offered him £1000, which he accepted. Hubby is claiming £1000. Success!! Hoorah!!! As for me, nothing to claim, I'm a good girl :)
2007-03-19 16:34:05 · answer #8 · answered by Mrs. Noo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cost vs. benefit
The time spent on this is not worth the money you will get back.
2007-03-19 16:36:35 · answer #9 · answered by csucdartgirl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I told BOA that I would pull ALL my accounts and go to a competitor if they didn't refund overdraft fee's - they did.
2007-03-19 16:33:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋