MSE News: Bank charges: banks win test case appeal

euronorris

Also, let's not forget that most of the population NEEDS a bank account.

When I signed up for mine, all banks had similar (almost) identical terms. Plus, I was 16! The bank manager didn't explain the terms to me, he was just interested in getting my signature.

And what the h'll did I know about banking at 16? Whilst the terms of my account have changed numerous times over the last 11 years, not once have I been offered any explanation or reviews by bank. My needs as a 16 year old are obviously very different to my needs now. And yes, I tried arranging appointments, but they always got cancelled on the morning for some reason or another.

Oh, I cannot wait to pay off that overdraft and close the account with them. I think I will now look at an international bank to see how they may fit in with my requirements.

natweststaffmember

alexjohnson wrote: »

You're moving the goalposts of your own argument.

If you've called out the engineer for your boiler and it is in pieces in the kitchen then your ability to negotiate the contract is going to be compromised, isn't it? The time to think about it was before you picked up the phone.

As with opening a bank account.

I wasn't convinced by my own argument at all this morning and expected you to absolutely destroy my earlier point. However, the example we are going through re the boiler. If the boiler is in pieces that the act of its destruction has already happened and you have the right to call out who you wish to fix the problem. With regards to bank charges, the issue has already occured yet you are ONLY allowed to use the banks' contractor and not a third party. Does that make sense?
The contract is therefore forced by you without negotiation and you must accept it rather than you deciding to not accept it.

PlasticMan_2

alexjohnson wrote: »

No, you open the account and sign the forms. No one forces you to do this. From time to time the bank sends new forms (often with your replacement debit card) which give you the right to opt out, by changing the type of account or closing it.

Wrong. The society I live in forces me to have a bank account (to get paid if for no other reason) and all banks have punitive charges. I've never seen the forms you mention, not that it would make any difference if I did.

Could you point me in the direction of a bank that charges a reasonable amount for everyday banking, and agrees to refuse debit card transactions and return standing orders and direct debits where insufficient funds exist (with no charge, since it costs the bank nothing, just like a refused cashpoint withdrawal)? If you can find a bank that operates this way (ie fairly) then I will transfer my current account today. I have a reasonable income, no overdraft and no pending charges or overdraft complaints.

pingchris

the government and the banks are forcing you to use a bank,maybe the reason why they close post offices all over the country,they want you to use a bank and give your cash to them and not the post office,i wanted to pay a phone bill at the hsbc and they wanted to charge me a fiver for doing it,no post ofice ever did that,,,,,,,,,what a !!!!ing scam

never-in-doubt

The Credit Card test case is going our way so far :D:D

consumer 2 - 0 banks (MBNA wimped out of court, the night before - bless....)

http://blog.creditissues.co.uk/

However just hours before the trial was due to commence at the Manchester Mercantile Court Credit Issues’ nominated solicitors for the case, BPS, were contacted by a representative from MBNA asking what it would take for these cases to ‘go away’

scotty1234_2

i totaly agree i no banks have to make a living but £5 pound for one bill is rediculas

euronorris

PlasticMan wrote: »

Wrong. The society I live in forces me to have a bank account (to get paid if for no other reason) and all banks have punitive charges. I've never seen the forms you mention, not that it would make any difference if I did.

Could you point me in the direction of a bank that charges a reasonable amount for everyday banking, and agrees to refuse debit card transactions and return standing orders and direct debits where insufficient funds exist (with no charge, since it costs the bank nothing, just like a refused cashpoint withdrawal)? If you can find a bank that operates this way (ie fairly) then I will transfer my current account today. I have a reasonable income, no overdraft and no pending charges or overdraft complaints.

I know of one, but it would require a move to Holland in order to make the savings worthwhile! lol

natweststaffmember

PlasticMan wrote: »

Wrong. The society I live in forces me to have a bank account (to get paid if for no other reason) and all banks have punitive charges. I've never seen the forms you mention, not that it would make any difference if I did.

Could you point me in the direction of a bank that charges a reasonable amount for everyday banking, and agrees to refuse debit card transactions and return standing orders and direct debits where insufficient funds exist (with no charge, since it costs the bank nothing, just like a refused cashpoint withdrawal)? If you can find a bank that operates this way (ie fairly) then I will transfer my current account today. I have a reasonable income, no overdraft and no pending charges or overdraft complaints.

I can actually. The USA do this UNLESS you opt into overdraft services. However, I'm unfamiliar with the rest of their services to be able to know if it fully hits the criteria given.

mesotrons

simonp wrote: »

I'm obviously in the minority here but I'm glad of this decision.

No-one will win - if the banks lost they would just end free banking and we'd ALL have to pay for it.

As someone who hasn't paid a bank charge since being at uni in the 90's, I'm more than happy with my bank

If you go overdrawn without permission, you pay the fine! Simple!

Sorry - don't shout at me! I'm a big Martin Lewis fan but have always been against this campaign.

Yes, well said, let us that don't have to pay bank charges take advantage of those that do. Why should we have to pay our own way, when we can get others to pay for the banking services we want to use for us. Why don't we see if we can get them to pay our gas and electricity bills for us too? Afterall, if they can pay for our banking, why can't they pay our for our electricity and gas useage as well?