Just had a bank charge, is it possible for the bank to return it today?

kevandkeira

I didn't have enough funds in my natwest account last month when a direct debit was due to come out. I recieved a letter from natwest stating that a charge would come out of my account at a later date & that they would send me a letter stating what date & amount. Well I have just checked my account & they have just charged me £38, without notice. I have a direct debit coming out tommorrow for £40, which I now cannot afford to pay, so this will result in another charge.
Is it possible for me to get this charge returned today, if I visit my natwest branch. I thought that charges of this amount were found unreasonable anyway, so how come they can still charge this amount?

nicholataylor

Only one element of them was found to be unreasonable, there is still a raging court case. Also, appeals could last for years as the statute that classifies charges as unfair is a european directive (Unfair terms of consumer contracts regulations [UTCCR]) and would first go to the court of appeal, then house of Lords and then the ECJ. I am sorry but I dont think you will get it back today or for a long time. Sorry.

But you can just cancel your direct debit can't you?

nicholataylor

P.S. im with halifax and they only charge 15 quid for that!!

natweststaffmember

nicholataylor wrote: »

Only one element of them was found to be unreasonable, there is still a raging court case. Also, appeals could last for years as the statute that classifies charges as unfair is a european directive (Unfair terms of consumer contracts regulations [UTCCR]) and would first go to the court of appeal,
Banks lost and OFT can assess terms for fairness(3-0 result)

then house of Lords
Currently awaiting result on assessment for fairness.
and then the ECJ.
Which can be fastracked 3 to 6 months
I am sorry but I dont think you will get it back today or for a long time. Sorry.
If it is the first charge then they might refund as a Gesture of Goodwill albeit I would agree that you are unlikely to be refunded because of the time taken to query it being returned.
But you can just cancel your direct debit can't you?

Finally we agree.

Because I was perhaps slightly more up to date then I am charging you £38 which as you are £15 in credit before then means you are over your overdraft limit so I am sticking on a maintenance charge of £28. If my maths is right you now owe me £51.00 for one error(oh hang on, technically that was possibly 3 errors) so that'll be a further £76 so I make that £127 you owe me

kevandkeira

Well I went to the bank & I couldn't get the charge returned, but they are going to allow the direct debit to go through, without another charge for going in the red. so got some kind of result.