Abbey refusing hardship claim - help

100mel

For the last 18 months I have had a hardship claim with Abbey on bank charges (over £700 worth). I have now made a formal complaint to the FOS. The problem is that they have now halved my overdraft facility (created for the charges in the first place) so that this month they will now make the matter worse. All they have done is write letters that I am not a hardship case.

What can I do? Should I open an account elsewhere - if so where and how quickly could this be up and running? Presumably it will take weeks for the FOS to look at this

Grateful for any advice as this is now causing me sleepless nights and extreme worry

aimingforadebtfreelife

Hi,

I have a hardship case with Abbey which has been ongoing for 6 months and just reported them to FOS after they stopped sending "holding" letters for last 3 months - they seem to be very slow.

Whenever you have a dispute with a bank change banks straight away. If not and in your case if your overdraft gets halved and your wages paid in they effectively reduce their debt as they take their bit first.

Accounts can be opened literally straight away. Most times you will be given a sort code and account number when you visit the branch. Tell this to your emplyer/benefits people etc etc. Basic bank accounts are a great tool to open up quickly.

Remember by changing banks you take back control. You will get all your wages available in the new account and say to Abbey once they get their act together the refund of charges should clear the overdraft. Whilst ever you still bank with them they may even cancel your overdraft next month meaning they have won.

Good luck.

100mel

Thanks - I'll get on to this today - they would do exactly that - the cut in overdraft happened immediately I went to the FOS with my complaint

100mel

Many thanks - I've got my act together and sorted a basic account with Lloyds this morning. I should have done this ages ago but didn't realise it could be done on the spot. Judging on past performance it will take Abbey and the FOS months to sort this out

Mel