Barclaycard - late charges "just because"

alorimer1970

We, like many others, are now struggling to pay minimum payments, so I phoned Barclaycard to see if they could help. They agreed to a six month reduced payment scheme (from £250 to £100 per month), with "No charges and the interest frozen".

I got my first statement since then yesterday, to find a £12 late charge and interest at the normal rate. I phoned them to ask why and was told (after holding for 22 mins), that although there was an agreed schedule on my account, there was a two month probationary period, in which I would be receiving interest at the usual rate and £12 late charges "just because" (I paid my £100 well within the date they were expecting it).

Argued I wasn't told this at the time - was definitely told 6 months free charges & int, but kept being told "just because". CAN THEY DO THIS???????????

Tixy

You could write to them complaining and stating what you were told on the phone (suggest they check their records of the conversation) and ask them to reinstate the offer you were informed of.

But if they still disagree and you have no proof of the agreement you reached with them then I don't think you will be able to enforce it.
In future its probably best to ensure that things like this are done in writing so you have proof of them.
If you decide to go for this new offer of 6months reduced after 2months then I would ask them to send it to you in writing (or email) so you have proof of it. You might also want to get them to confirm that they won't mark a default on you credit file at the same time (unless they didn't agree to this in which case they might).

alorimer1970

Thanks Tixy. I've now fired off an e-mail to them, so guess will just have to wait and see what they say. But, not a happy bunny:(

CLAPTON

alorimer1970 wrote: »

Thanks Tixy. I've now fired off an e-mail to them, so guess will just have to wait and see what they say. But, not a happy bunny:(

just an arrangement to pay will probably show on your credit files which will make future credit very difficult to acquire

chattychappy

A mate of mine records all his phone conversations to stop this kind of thing. He tells them in advance and it's usually OK. Some "modern" "smart" phones have this ability built into the software.

Of course it's still not cast iron proof - but it could be helpful. It is also possible to do a subject access request to get the call centre's log - though I've heard it often comes back that there is no record. (I've never tried it.)