A&L bank charges on bank charges...

pinkichiban

We recently went over our overdraft limit by £5 and paid it the next day, pure oversight and poor cashflow. They then charged us £10 for our error. We didn't realise that this charge was added and as this charge put us again over our overdraft limit they have since charged us £5 per day, we now owe £135.

We do not have this much money as we are on a very low income. My partner does work as an agency LGV driver, six months ago we were getting 6 shifts per week and due to the credit crunch we are lucky to get one or two. We have two young children.

On telephoning the A&L they have been incredibly unhelpful and rude, making us feel like nothing. They are not interested in our hardship and we don't know what to do as the charges are continuing to mount up. We have no problem in paying the £10 fee, but cannot afford the further fees. We also feel these further fees are pure daylight robbery. Why didn't A&L phone/email us to warn us of our impending doom?

Any suggestions?

pinkichiban

We contacted the Consumer Credit Counselling Service and they have offered some very good advice. I would recommend anyone else having financial hardship and struggles with the evil bankers to give these people a go.

I am looking forward to actually being able to get some sleep tonight, I feel so relieved. Problems not over, but at least it all feels more manageable and we feel more in control.

I'm happy to pay my debts, but not excessive fees, evil bankers are thieves!

natweststaffmember

I would always advise dealing with banks in writing only. But I am pleased to see you that finally you will sleep better tonight. I would still claim the charges back though

pinkichiban

We've just finally had the fees refunded after filing a hardship claim. Albeit this took a zillion phone calls and having to send the paperwork in twice.

Now the really professional, helpful and straightforward A&L wish to close the account 'as quickly as possible'.

The last paragraph is brilliant, 'Thank you for banking with A&L. If you require any information on our wide range of products, please contact us on...' Don't think they should hold their breath!

natweststaffmember

pinkichiban wrote: »

We've just finally had the fees refunded after filing a hardship claim. Albeit this took a zillion phone calls and having to send the paperwork in twice.

Now the really professional, helpful and straightforward A&L wish to close the account 'as quickly as possible'.

The last paragraph is brilliant, 'Thank you for banking with A&L. If you require any information on our wide range of products, please contact us on...' Don't think they should hold their breath!

Fantastic news and very pleased for you. I hope you are sleeping a lot better at night now from when you first posted here a few months ago.