HBOS aka Halifax Bank of Scotland

zedox

I currently have a £1250 overdraft of which i went over slightly on the 8th July (weekend)

Following money the balance was replenished when I checked my account and realised it was over.

My bank... Halifax, are going to charge me £28 for going over (Unauthorised Overdraft Charge) and £35 per transaction that took it over (2 in total, "Paid Item charge")

I have had 5 charges refunded previously, and had numerous charges cancelled as "good will" gestures.

Yes I should have learnt my lesson, but i've always thought, if the money isn't there, the card will be declined when attempting to purchase something.

Can anyone advise me on the best way to get out of these charges?
They come out of my bank on the 31st this month.

Many thanks,
zedox

finley909

You could ask them to refund the charges, no harm in asking! Most banks will refund some or all of the charge if you've not gone over your overdraft in the last 12 months. If you've been over once in that time, they may still refund part of the charges, so it's worth asking. Most current accounts allow you to go over your agreed overdraft limit in my experience, so you have to keep an eye on your funds.
If it was only slightly over , and only for a short period of time, chances are as a good will gesture they will refund you.
Go into Halifax and ask.

zedox

Thanks for the reply, I should've mentioned, I have already called the Halifax... Because i have had previous charges refunded they won't refund these ones.

finley909

If you've had charges int he last 12 months then, the chances are they won't refund. Try going into a branch and speaking to someone face to face. Explain the situation, they may still give you a partial refund. If you really need the money back, do this. Otherwise, just think of the money you've lost now as money you can eventually claim back once the test case is over. Kind of like a savings account

smudga99_2

Dont get me started on these muppets, last month i got £485 in charges, (you wouldn't even get a fine like that for assault these days) rang them today to see if they had any once of human decency in them, apparently not, each time i phoned them they just put me through to some pre-recorded line about the recent bank charges test case!! They should change their slogan to "we take away extra"!! Dont give up though, try it, and see what happens, let us know how you get on, i'd be interested.

YorkshireBoy

finley909 wrote: »

Otherwise, just think of the money you've lost now as money you can eventually claim back once the test case is over.

Assuming, of course, that the banks lose that aspect of the test case (being dealt with this week...http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7492775.stm), or that any subsequent appeal fails...and how many years is that away?

natweststaffmember

Appeal on Bank charges initial judgement expected to be November 2008 however, historic terms and conditions are being dealt with over the next couple of days so likely appeal on that so maybe next year at best

finley909

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Assuming, of course, that the banks lose that aspect of the test case (being dealt with this week...http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7492775.stm), or that any subsequent appeal fails...and how many years is that away?

Although it is a long time to wait, there's no other option that I'm aware of.

zedox

Ok, I'll try speaking to someone face to face in my bank. Failing that I'll wait for more information on the test case.

I'll keep you updated on how it goes face to face

Lavly

I sent the initial standard letter to Halifax along with the £10 postal order requesting my statements of charges etc.

I get a reply from them today returning my letter and postal order along with a bog standard tick list with the line 'Figures and words differ in amount' ticked

There isn't one thing out of place or incorrect, I've checked and double checked and even got a second opinion.

Should I just re-send it along with their letter and write on that there is no error anywhere?

I'm so tired of have to jump through hoops for Halifax's ever so helpful and cheery staff :rolleyes: