Unfair bank charges? - then fight back

We need more sites like this one, prepared to speak out, inform the general public and help them to be clever consumers. I wonder if anyone on these boards has had experience of challenging charges and succeeding?

Harassed wrote:

Been stung by unfair 'penalty' bank charges? Then get them back! More below;

http://www.bankchargeshell.co.uk/

Go get 'em!

iVE READ THE FOLLOW ON LINKS AND THE GUARDIAN ARTICLES.

Currently Ive been stung for five consecutive late payments of £20 each, as I thought Id paid off card in full.

As soon as I realised I had not paid of the card and it was still active, I paid off all money and interest notwithstanding the £100, which I consider to be penalty charges.

The company, had put a block on all mail being sent to my address in July 05, as they allege they had mail returned marked 'not at this address'. None of my other mail, financial or otherwise has been returned and I continue to receive it.

Despite having my email, and phone number from the initial application, no attempt had been made to contact me. Further, the Internet account had been locked when I WENT TO OPEN IT, yet interest and penalty charges were accruing.

Should I refuse to pay the penalty charges as the above link suggests, and which in English Law are unenforceable?

Should I pay up in full, close the account, and take the company to the small claims court to recover the charges, interest(on the charges), and my costs?

Or should I roll over and meekly accept that One Of The Big Banks and a subsidiary can screw me? Obviously I dont want my credit rating to be permanenrtl y damaged, and I was hoping to get a mortgage in a few months. :mad:

Thank you so much for any genuine, and constructive advice.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=134429

now almost completely sorted! just have to sort out credit ref agencies now!