A&L bank charges

c247

Dear all

I'd appreciate any advice that you have on the following scenario. I opened an A&L account earlier in the year with the intention of using it as a main account. For various reasons I didn't get around to using the account and therefore in July, when the account had a neglible balance (less than £5) A&L have applied a £5 charge to the account. This put my account into an unauthorised overdraft and now, to cut a long and probably quite predictable, story short, they have charged me £250 in overdrawn and non-use of account charges.

Before you ask why I didn't notice this, I should say that I moved house in May this year and having instructed the bank to change my address assumed they would have done so. The account is an internet based account and therefore no statements are issued. The address was not changed and in September I received a letter notifying me that the account was overdrawn. I have had no further correspondence from them in the intervening period (I had a Royal Mail redirection in place, although there is no guarantee that they pick everything up).

In short, my account is now £250 overdrawn (from 3 months of non-use and fees) and they are charging a £5 per day fee going forwards.

I am writing to them to offer to settle for a small sum, but wonder if people have any thoughts as to whether it is better to:

1) pay the full balance now and then reclaim. It stops any further charges accruing.

2) leave it as it is, and argue with them. Wait for them to bring action then refer to the court case and argue charges are unfair.

or (my preference to date)

3) settle for a small sum (was going to offer £30).

Thanks in advance.

14wrence

I can not advise you but can say I am having similar problems with A&L they are absolutely terrible....

They are just being awful.. I would write the letter and try to settle, and then try numbee 2) after that..

LibbyB_2

It's the A&L who have charged us just over £900 for 3 direct debits, which didn't go through for 3 months in a row.

It's outrageous.

14wrence

That is horrific.. I have also been charge around £300, for what was originally being £8 in the 'red'...

I would say we need to find a decent bank, and try our best to start a Mass exodus away from A&L for being the most unfair.

I hear Halifax are bad too, so dont go there.

Does anyone know what Co-op are like?/?