Reclaim Unfair Bank Charges Discussion Area

cupwinner_2

Hello

Sorry if I'm posting in an inappropriate place but not completely computer literate!

I wish I'd known about this site 12 months ago. NatWest closed my current account of 20 years when I complained about over £300 bank charges taken out of my account in five working days. They said they hadn't received my letters cancelling my direct debits and standing orders and then allowed each one to re-represent themselves up to 3 times each claiming a bank charge of £35 each time. When I found out I rang them and said if they didn't reimburse me I would take them to the ombudsman. Within two days I received a letter saying they were closing my account and I should repay an outstanding loan to them of £2,000. Given my personal circumstances at the time most of the 28 days were spent trying to open up another account. This was slightly blighted by the fact that Natwest then gave me a bad credit rating for not repaying their loan! Am I too late to ask them to repay?

Fantastic website by the way.

nickmack

zazzoo7668 wrote:

1. I've charges on my account that go back more than 6 years, I know the dates they were charged and the amounts applied, however I don't have the statements - can I make a claim for these charges or will they ask for proof in the form of a statement?

There's two issues here. The first is that claims beyond 6 years may be possible, but you should seek advice, because it is not as straightforward. Also, the bank should have a record of when you were charged but may not still hold them beyond a certain number of years. If you know the dates, you could state these and see if the bank argue.

2. My ex-bank has wrote back saying the charges were legitimate and said that if I was to go to court they’d prepare a defence, is this just a scaring tactic? They said that I would be in breach of contract and they would pursue damages to that effect?

Most banks now issue a defence like this. Some have even issued counterclaims for damages! They are trying to scare you. Continue with your claim following the instructions carefully and you shouldn't have any worries!

nickmack

cupwinner wrote:

Am I too late to ask them to repay?

No, You're not too late! Read the guide carefully and start your claim!

Hogan1203

Peggy69 - Did you go to court? What was the outcome?!

thistlewhistle_2

Sorry to repeat my request for info regarding going to court - can anyone point me to relevant threads or offer any other advice please? I'm having a bit of a wobble!!

nickmack

thistlewhistle wrote:

Sorry to repeat my request for info regarding going to court - can anyone point me to relevant threads or offer any other advice please? I'm having a bit of a wobble!!

If by 'going to court' you mean actually sitting in a courtroom, you won't find (m)any people on here that can give you their experience against the banks, because it doesn't get to that stage for the vast majority of people. Have a look on the Consumer Action Group forums for a few tales of courtroom exploits.

Hogan1203

miss_miggins wrote:

Hi,

We are nearly at the same stage. Natwest's solicitors have submitted a defence and requested we send them a list of charges etc. We are still waiting for the letter from the court. Do I need to do anything as the website says 'just do nothing'?
We hope you won. Please let us know what you did and the outcome.
Cheers!!

Hi,

I have used the pro formas on these sites to reclaim charges totalling £1600. Natwest's solicitors have submitted a 12 page defence today, which is asking me to provide proof of charges (which obviously I have from bank statements) and to provide a defence to everything written in the pro forma letters.

What should I do now? Clealy I am no legal expert. Should I reply at all, or leave it? Do I need to send them photo copies of my bank statements detailing charges?

Any advice would be fantastic.

NB - I note that this website says I should nothing, but the (court?) letter says I have to sumbit a defence by October 15th?

Thanks

[/QUOTE]


Have you got ay news on ur claim?

thistlewhistle_2

nickmack - now I'm really worried! I wonder why they've decided to go 'all the way' with my paltry claim (less than £300)? I'm fairly certain I've done everything correctly, and as I say, I've done this before with successful results.
I'll go and have a look at the CAG site.
Thanks.

Rowlesy01

Do it definatly. I was a bit worried but ended up nicely in pocket for Christmas. The halifax paid me out in just over a month!!

carmelria

Hi, I am about to send the first letters for bank charges to HSBC, First Direct and maybe a few others. I keep my statements so which address do I send the first letter to? As the addresses on the board seem to be either for the Data Protection letter and then for the court one. Also everyone seems to send in a spreadsheet of their charges - could anyone give me some tips on how to do this?

I have an account with Nationwide which is now closed but which charged me overdraft fees - can I still contact them?

And finally which fees can i definately ask for back? As in are they only fees for going over my overdraft, or having an overdraft, or returned cheques and direct debits? I just want to know I'm not asking to be paid back something they have lawfully charged me.

Thanks

Carmel