Marbles Credit Card (HFC) Response

debt_free_soon

Following the advice on these threads, I thought I'd try and claim some charges back from Marbles Credit Card (Owned by HFC bank I believe)

I could find very little information on Marbles on this site (hence starting a new thread for this) but I went ahead anyway.

Below is a transposition of the letter I received in response to my initial claim.
(I had all of my statements for the last 6 years so didn't need to get them, I also claimed interest as well) I've highlighted a couple of parts for emphasis.

Dear debt_free_soon

Thank you for your letter dated 12 February 2007. I have now fully investigated the matters raised.

Default charges are charges payable if customers do not make the required minimum payment by the payment due date, if they exceed their credit limit, or if a payment to their credit card account is returned unpaid. The amount of these charges, and the circumstances in which they are applied, is set out clearly in HFC Bank's credit card agreements. We believe that HFC Bank's charges to customers are fair and reasonable.

The OFT has recently published the findings from its enquiry into default charges on credit cards. HFC Bank has carefully considered the OFT's publication and does not accept its findings. However, the OFT's investigation has lead to a change in market practices and HFC Bank has therefore decided, for commercial reasons and in the interests of customers, to reduce its credit card default charges for the future. These changes do not affect charges that have already been applied. Accordingly, I regret that we are not prepared to make any refund of default charges or provide any compensation payments. I hope I have been able to clarify HFC Bank's position on credit card charges.

Yours sincerely

Customer Relations Manager
Executive Complaints


I think this is probably a form letter, as it mentions several things that I did not include in my letter.

So......... straight on to letter 2, or does anyone have any other advice?

SonnyCash

Hi Debt_Free_Soon

I'm in exactly the same position as you. I got exactly the same letter on Friday. I couldn't find anything about Marbles on these threads and then went to the CAG website where there are several successful claims listed.

I will be sending my 1st LBA today. If they follow the same routine - they will offer 50% of the claim (mines not much £260 plus £32 for interest).

Although to get the full amount apparently you will have to go as far as MCOL stage. :rolleyes:

Why don't you post your letter today and we can track our progress together. :T

Hope this helps :A

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to mention apparently the 1st LBA "mysteriously" gets lost (even though somebody signs for it on the other side) and needs resending. Pathetic really

debt_free_soon

I've just read some of the threads you mention on the CAG website and it seems that their policy is to offer 50% but pay out in full if you push.

My 1st LBA will be in the post this afternoon.

Are you happy to use this thread to update on your case as well, or do you already have a thread?

SonnyCash

Hi DFS

I'll use this thread as well. I did start posting on the general "credit card thread".

As I said I couldn't find too much about Marbles as well so I think this will be an ideal starting point for many.

I'm just prinitng my letter off now and it will be sent this afternoon as well.

:beer:

debt_free_soon

SonnyCash wrote:

Hi DFS

I'll use this thread as well. I did start posting on the general "credit card thread".

As I said I couldn't find too much about Marbles as well so I think this will be an ideal starting point for many.

I'm just prinitng my letter off now and it will be sent this afternoon as well.

:beer:

Cool, have you used the form letter from this site and did you address it to James Ball directly?

SonnyCash

debt_free_soon wrote:

Cool, have you used the form letter from this site and did you address it to James Ball directly?

Yes and Yes. I most certainly did! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

This is going to be fun!

debt_free_soon

Well my letter was sent a few days ago, awaiting a response now.

SonnyCash

Me too DFS! :mad:

SonnyCash

SonnyCash wrote:

Me too DFS! :mad:

Hey DFS

I got a response. The letter was stuck in the letter box so I didn't see it from the inside. :wall:

They are offering just over 50% of the total claim (if you include the interest). Also a big pat on the back to Marbles for not "losing" the letter. They are still adamant about not agreeing with the OFT's findings (I too disagree with the OFT's findings - £12 is far to high! )

I shall now give them a "partial acceptance" letter and see how we progress. I'm thinking of giving them a call next week around wednesday.

DFS Did you send yours normally? was it first class etc. Keep us updated - if you haven't got it today I'm sure you'll have by tommorrow.

Good luck

debt_free_soon

SonnyCash wrote:

Hey DFS

I got a response. The letter was stuck in the letter box so I didn't see it from the inside. :wall:

They are offering just over 50% of the total claim (if you include the interest). Also a big pat on the back to Marbles for not "losing" the letter. They are still adamant about not agreeing with the OFT's findings (I too disagree with the OFT's findings - £12 is far to high! )

I shall now give them a "partial acceptance" letter and see how we progress. I'm thinking of giving them a call next week around wednesday.

DFS Did you send yours normally? was it first class etc. Keep us updated - if you haven't got it today I'm sure you'll have by tommorrow.

Good luck

They seem to work quite quickly don't they, I've not had a response yet, I sent my letter via 1st class recorded delivery a couple of days later than you I think, hopefully I'll get a response in the next couple of days.

Let's keep in touch.

debt_free_soon

I've had a response now as well, offering me almost exactly 50% of the total I requested (including the interest)

I'm thinking that rather than write another letter I might just give Mr Ball a call.

What did you do in the end?