Positive balance on credit card

skipness · 18 July 2012 at 9:14PM

Hi, Can anybody point me in the right direction for reclaiming a positive balance on a credit card. The sum involved is very small, but I think there is a principle here of banks and cc companies being quick to impose penalties if you forget to make a payment by the due date (o.k. I know about setting up direct debits) yet they are holding on to my balance and not paying any interest.
The card concerned was issued by the Bank of Scotland, in their pre HBOS identity and the balance resulted from an over payment on my behalf. Last statement was in 2006. Card has been cancelled.
Have sent letters to 2 different addresses, but neither has been given a reply.
Can anybody help with an address or email address, that may elicit a reply, please?

Buzby · 18 July 2012 at 9:18PM

Phone the relevant call centre. Because the card has been cancelled, the process to get any remaining funds can be complex, but the CS staff should keep you right.

skipness · 18 July 2012 at 9:22PM

Buzby wrote: »

Phone the relevant call centre. Because the card has been cancelled, the process to get any remaining funds can be complex, but the CS staff should keep you right.

Thanks for your advice but calls to call centres are often at premium rates, so would probably end up spending more on the call than the balance, LOL

badger_ · 18 July 2012 at 9:28PM

skipness wrote: »

Thanks for your advice but calls to call centres are often at premium rates, so would probably end up spending more on the call than the balance, LOL

Have you done a search on Say No to 0870 to see if there is an alternate number?

When I had to call my CC the other week I used the "if you are calling from abroad" number on the back of the card so the call was included in my free minutes. (not much help as you probably no longer have the card).

elizw · 18 July 2012 at 9:38PM

Depending on what Bank it is it may take forever, Best way is to spend small amount on card and then pay the difference, That's what I would do.

elizw · 18 July 2012 at 9:40PM

Oh - just read that the card is cancelled - You're stuffed.

tomsco · 19 July 2012 at 9:57AM

skipness wrote: »

Hi, Can anybody point me in the right direction for reclaiming a positive balance on a credit card. The sum involved is very small, but I think there is a principle here of banks and cc companies being quick to impose penalties if you forget to make a payment by the due date (o.k. I know about setting up direct debits) yet they are holding on to my balance and not paying any interest.

Irrelevant drivel. You entered into a contract where you agreed on those penalties being imposed, as well as the fact that no interest would be payable for a credit balance. In fact it probably even mentions it's a breach to go into credit through overpayment. Paying out any credit balance is still your responsibility to request though. They don't know what you want done with the money.

The card concerned was issued by the Bank of Scotland, in their pre HBOS identity and the balance resulted from an over payment on my behalf. Last statement was in 2006. Card has been cancelled.
Have sent letters to 2 different addresses, but neither has been given a reply.
Can anybody help with an address or email address, that may elicit a reply, please?

As others have said, search for a free number, try googling their overseas number. There's a slim chance that if there is still a balance on the account it may still show up on their front end systems, even if it was closed 6 years ago. Even if it's not, they can direct you to the right postal address. And if it's one you've already tried, you may need to send recorded. Without proof they received the post you can't hold them liable, Royal Mail may have lost it.