Nationwide Visa Dispute Query

sortedatlast

Last week I went on online to renew my mother's TV Licence. I entered my card details ( Nationwide Visa Debit ) and was not able to process the payment as a direct debit was still in place for my mother's TV Licence. A message onscreen advised me that no monies would be taken from my account as the transaction had not gone through.
However, I discovered yesterday that £145.50 was missing from my bank account ( coincidentally the same cost as the TV licence.). I called TV Licensing and they said they had not taken the money but that it was likely to be in a "limbo" account held by Nationwide and would probably be credited back after 3 working days. Yesterday was actually the 5th working day since this happened.
I then called Nationwide who said that yes, the money had been taken from my account, was in a "limbo" account but it was not their fault - it was an issue with Visa. They then said that the money could not be returned unless I completed a Visa Dispute form and that would take at least 20 days!
Surely this can't be correct?
I am unemployed at the moment and feel this is ridiculous that I have to wait 20 days for money that is mine to be returned, especially when I was advised at the offset that no money had been taken!
Does anybody have experience of this Visa Dispute process or any idea how the whole thing can be speeded up?
I would really appreciate any advice.

Ben8282

Have they taken the direct debit?

sortedatlast

Hiya,

Yes, the direct debit was taken - one Quarter's payment only.

Just frustrating that they took the entire year's payment although said they hadn't taken anything!

jonesMUFCforever

They haven't taken anything on the card only earmarked the funds.
One reason why the card transaction might have failed would be a different address for the licence and the cardholder?

tomsco

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

They haven't taken anything on the card only earmarked the funds.
One reason why the card transaction might have failed would be a different address for the licence and the cardholder?

^This.

Another option maybe that TV Licensing may be able to fax your bank with your card details advising they won't be claiming the funds and they may be able to release it sooner.

jonesMUFCforever

tomsco wrote: »

^This.

Another option maybe that TV Licensing may be able to fax your bank with your card details advising they won't be claiming the funds and they may be able to release it sooner.

Who would they fax - it just will not work.

tomsco

jonesMUFCforever wrote: »

Who would they fax - it just will not work.

I simply know for the company that I work for, amounts held in this suspense account will drop after 7 working days if not claimed. If the customer wants it to drop off faster, we need confirmation from the company that they do not plan on claiming this amount.

chattychappy

tomsco wrote: »

I simply know for the company that I work for,

Steady on.. you're beginning to sound "affiliated"! Where's your sig?