bank charges advice needed

in_debt_again_but_dealing_with_it

hi all
have been in touch with bank to advise them that we will likely go over our o/d through d/d's (for personal loan and c/c to them!) because of cash flow problem re me not working and student finance not going in until January have changed all other d/d's to building society and also arranged for wtc to go in to building society. Child benefit, my small wage and student finance still going into bank. Got a very nice letter from bank saying they had agreed to our request for an "informal overdraft" etc, etc. Currently standing at £1206.62 od our limit is £500, no other transactions except d/d to themselves. Gives us breathing space, however have just checked account on line and in the carges due to be applied they are charging us £150 :mad: + interest currently £6.50, at the end of December can this be right? Have paid loads to them over the last 23 years and whilst we haven't been the best customers (??!) (no huge income or saving etc) we have always paid our way and much in interest and charges, never considered claiming back charges because we felt it was our fault and out of a sense of loyalty to them. This £150 charge has really annoyed me though we simply can't afford to pay it we're struggling big time as it is and this will just make it 10 times worse. Should I look into claiming back all my charges from them or are they right to do this. Sorry about the epic!! Any advice warmly received.

Kazonline

in_debt_again_and_stupid wrote:

Have paid loads to them over the last 23 years and whilst we haven't been the best customers (??!) (no huge income or saving etc) we have always paid our way and much in interest and charges, never considered claiming back charges because we felt it was our fault and out of a sense of loyalty to them..

Firstly I'm totally flabberghasted at the charge they are going to make on your account! Secondly it reminds me of a lesson I learnt when I ran into difficulties during divorce - banks (and most other companies) don't seem to repay loyalty (HSBC certainly didn't after 30 years of custom and gaining all my children as new customers).
My opinion - fight the immediate charge. Once that is done and dusted then consider claiming back the rest.
I'm sure you'll get lots of good practical advice on here - will love to hear how you get on,
Kaz x

Willsnarf1983

have a look on the bank charge claim board which is a few rungs lower than the debt free board

Will