Claiming back charges from RBS >>

*Katie

Yesterday I was charged £38 for a DD, which was totally my fault, its a new DD and I totally forgot about it. I went in and told them I couldn't afford it, I'm a FT student, so dont have any disposable income. They were quite rude about it, saying it was my responsibility etc and they wouldn't do anything about it...ok, fair enough. At least I tried.

THEN!! The guy told me I had another £153 worth of charges coming out my account, because all the transactions I made on my card from the 11-13th September (there's about 8 or so all under £10) I have to pay for...they took out the £38 and all the transactions on the same day (14th September) therefore making all of my transactions overdrawn.

I cannot afford this at all.
I was interested to see how much money I have had to pay in the last year for charges. It's sitting at £234, I know it might not seem a lot to some, but it is to me

What can I do? I can't afford £150 next month, or at any time tbh. Can I set up some debt recovery thing where I pay so much a month?

esmerellda

the problem with bank accounts is they won't let you set up repayment plans until you default - an issue the OFT should deal with in their market study of the PCA's. (doesnt help you now tho)

People find a lot, as the banks are so darn unhelpful, that just stopping income going in to the account and getting a new basic account elsewhere as backup is the only way to get them to take the OD to collections to enable you to repay it, in the meantime they add more and more charges on (how sympathetic)

I'd write to the bank explaining your situation and asking for their help, but while waiting for a reply make sure they can't take you next income.

*Katie

Ok thanks, that was what I was going to do, stop my income going in, but then they'll continue charging me for my charges going in the red won't they?! I will write to them a stern letter asking them to put a hold on the account or something until I can afford it.

Thank you for your help, I wish banks were more sympathetic to personal circumstances.

Twister84

Actually, you can get some help if you're finding it difficult to pay back charges. Go into your local branch and ask about the Triage service - there is a contact number which I can't recall off the top of my head and they should be able to help you.

I also don't get how the charges total £153 - did he give you a breakdown of the charges?

I wish banks were more sympathetic to personal circumstances.

I think in this situation it's more a case of individual responsibility than personal circmustances...