Reclaim Unfair Bank Charges Discussion Area

fedupbeingbroke

Around 10 years ago, my husband banked with First Direct. His salary was paid into his account on the 8th of every month and he set up his direct debits to also come out on this date. Every month First Direct would pay all of my husband direct debits before paying in his salary, hence making him overdrawn. They charged around £20 for each direct debit which was paid out totalling around £200 per month. This was about 10 years ago, but put my husband into a lot of debt, his parents eventually had to bail him out. Does anyone know if there is a time limit to claim back charges.

acheekymunky

I think for the past 6 years is the maximum

acheekymunky

From posting the letter to receiving money back can anyone give an estimated timescale this will happen in?

within 1 month? 3 months? 6 months??

Thanks in advance

divecon

Well the first step anyway

Ive just sent the first letter to my bank (abbey) i'll update this site as to my progress, and once ive finished with the abbey, i'll take on MBNA and Capital One who put a black mark on my record during a difficult period of my life. Once Ive received a reply from the abbey, I'll open a parachute account with A&L as it looks to be the best deal at the moment.

However can someone tell me if changing bank accounts affects the credit scores, as mine needs improving thanks to Capital One Grrr

stevey21

I got mine back from First Direct

"First Direct is, however, mindful of the managment time and irrecoverable legal costs we may incur in relation to such a claim. For those commercial reasons alone, and without any admission of liability whatsoever, first direct is prepared to make a payment to you in the sum of £210.00, in full and final settlement of this matter. Please note this differs to the amount quoted in your letter, as i have included a £30.00 charge that debited your account today"


:T

acheekymunky

HSBC told me today my credit rating with them is 17 out of 100. The advisor seemed really pleased with this and actually rose her voice. Ive never been so embarrassed she honestly seemed to take pride in letting everyone queing know this information.
I feel deflated

smashedbooboo

Hi all again. well starting the process with RBS and Halifax
and capitol one. have read enough on here now to give me the confidence. I know i said it last week but been scared to death to do anything about it. Think i have plucked up the courage now. Thanks to all and to martin. Will keep you posted. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Edna_Bucket_2

acheekymunky wrote:

HSBC told me today my credit rating with them is 17 out of 100. The advisor seemed really pleased with this and actually rose her voice. Ive never been so embarrassed she honestly seemed to take pride in letting everyone queing know this information.
I feel deflated

That's a letter to the Manager (& HO if need be) - that's a clear breach of the DPA - I never heard of such behaviour - sharing confidential information on a customer with anyone present in the bank?

I would ask:

a) What they propose to do to make this good to you in view of the distress caused.

b) What disciplinary action they intend to take against the staff member.

Make it clear you 100% intend to send a copy of the letter to the Information Commissioner's department as a complaint within 48 hours unless they come back straight away.

That might teach your "friend" some manners next time!

Of course, the less serious riposte to her comment at the time (in an equally loud voice) would been: "Funny that - d'you know I've given you exactly 1 mark less out of 100 for Customer Service. Remind us all - how much do we all pay you to look after us and respect us so well?"

Final point: Don't get embarrassed - get even!

Babbler

Can I just ask - if you go overdrawn over your by 3 quid for less thand 24 hours do they charge immidiately and it is fair? Im thinking of NATWEST here. There must be some leeway.

Money came out 1 day early before pay for some reason. Wondering if this will cause a charge - off to the bank a.s.a.p to top up.

fizzyhelen

acheekymunky wrote:

From posting the letter to receiving money back can anyone give an estimated timescale this will happen in?

within 1 month? 3 months? 6 months??

Thanks in advance

Hi
Depends who you are claiming against. It took about 7 months for me with Lloyds TSB.
Helen