Bank Charges Reclaiming Guide discussion 2 February 2010 at 6:20PM edited 10 June 2010 at 4:34PM in Reclaim Bank & Credit Card Charges 1.8K replies 455.7K views

[Deleted User]

TaiChi wrote: »

I've now got my head above the water and debt free
Would I be able to approach my bank to ask for the credit card charges back, or do I not have a case

Since 2009, only those in current Financial Hardship have had any chance of having Bank Charges refunded.

Your post indicates that you are not in financial hardship.

Sorry.

malinkey

The reason I own a Sky subscription (which I managed to get a good deal on after a bit of haggling) is because my partner and I rarely -if ever- go out - we can't afford to, so that's our only form of entertainment. Secondly, my partner needs it for work and I need it so I can do things like search for jobs (yes I am already working but trying to improve my prospects) and ask questions on this forum. No sky, no internet. I don't really consider this a "luxury item" if you need it for work. I do consider myself in hardship, given that I'm trying to pay off an overdraft and finding it impossible with snowballing charges.

malinkey

"Otherwise, you will get the automatic response quoting the supreme court outcome."

- what does this mean?

Nasqueron

malinkey wrote: »

"Otherwise, you will get the automatic response quoting the supreme court outcome."

- what does this mean?

If you complain about unfair charges or old bank charges, the bank will simply point you to the 2009 supreme court case that the banks won on charges.

Nasqueron

malinkey wrote: »

The reason I own a Sky subscription (which I managed to get a good deal on after a bit of haggling) is because my partner and I rarely -if ever- go out - we can't afford to, so that's our only form of entertainment. Secondly, my partner needs it for work and I need it so I can do things like search for jobs (yes I am already working but trying to improve my prospects) and ask questions on this forum. No sky, no internet. I don't really consider this a "luxury item" if you need it for work. I do consider myself in hardship, given that I'm trying to pay off an overdraft and finding it impossible with snowballing charges.

With "luxury" items, an internet connection is not an issue, however, like it or not, an expensive TV package is - someone in genuine hardship would be using freeview basic package and sacrifice sky tv to save money. They also will look at things like spending on clothes (Primark good, Selfridges bad sort of thing), shopping at say M&S vs Aldi etc

Go to the debt free wannabe forum for advice on cutting debts, you may well be wasting money that you don't realise. Spending time on old charges which you won't get back won't get you anywhere. The bank need to be asked to judge current financial hardship and may agree a refund, may freeze future charges etc

[Deleted User]

malinkey wrote: »

I don't really consider this a "luxury item" if you need it for work. I do consider myself in hardship, given that I'm trying to pay off an overdraft and finding it impossible with snowballing charges.

You need to understand that it is the Bank's definition of financial hardship that you have meet, not simply your own. Struggling to pay an overdraft is not "hardship" while you are diverting funds to pay for subscription TV. To be deemed in Financial Hardship by the Bank you need to show that you are behind with essential payments and using your overdraft simply to pay for everyday expenses.

malinkey wrote: »

No Sky no internet

You know that is simply not true. There are numerous broadband providers, many of whom don't also bundle expensive subscription TV. Seriously, if you want the Bank to refund you any charges you need to show that you are already doing everything you can to reduce your outgoings.

If you request your Bank to refund charges on the basis of current Financial Hardship your account will be scrutinised by a specialist team. They will examine your statements and if they find you are paying for subscription TV, an expensive mobile phone contract and doing your shopping at the dearer supermarkets etc this will all count against you.

Finally, any reason why you've left it over a month since your original posting to respond? If you are truly struggling financially time is of the essence, so get yourself over to the "Debt-Free Wannabe" section of this forum and post your Statement Of Affairs (SOA). There are people posting over there with vast experience of dealing with debt and who are more than willing to guide you.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=76

hate-banks

I read the "Reclaim Bank Charges" here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges/

I wanted to know if reclaiming bank charges worked only for overdrafts on current accounts or if I could use this method to reclaim charges on credit cards, store cards/accounts

thanks a lot

[Deleted User]

hate-banks wrote: »

I read the "Reclaim Bank Charges" here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges/

Read this thread, even just a few pages, and you will be far better informed.

hate-banks

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Read this thread, even just a few pages, and you will be far better informed.

that's what I've done, in the recent pages, I haven't seen a post about my question! Can't spend time to read 85 pages!
It would have taken less time to just answer the question compared to your useless message.

[Deleted User]

hate-banks wrote: »

It would have taken less time to just answer the question compared to your useless message.

The point you've missed is that the MSE guide is woefully inaccurate. Bank charges in general have not been recoverable since the 2009 court case. If you want a refund of ANY bank charges, you need to request the Bank consider a goodwill refund on the basis that you are in the bank's definition of current financial hardship.

You don't need to read anywhere near 85 pages of this thread to appreciate this.

Sorry my response was "useless", but I sometimes get tired of repeating the same information over and over.