Quick question (I hope!)

emski1234

Hi every1. I am currently in the process of claiming back from Abbey (I hear they're bad news:( ). Its very early days as I've only just sent off my 1st letter (having worked out the charges+interest etc myself from my statements).
The reason for my post is that I've opened a new account with Barclays for 2 reasons - 1. As a safety net incase Abbey close my account, and 2. Because I actually wanted to move to Barclays because thats where my joint account is and it would make things a lot easier. Now that I've got the Barclays account open, I don't know whether to move everything over from Abbey (direct debits, wages etc) or to wait until the whole Abbey refund thing is sorted (if it ever is!). I'd really like to get everything shifted over to Barclays, technically leaving my Abbey one empty but not closed, but I'm wondering if this would have any effect on my chances of Abbey refunding my charges?
i.e If they notice all my wage payments stop and money go out and dd's cancel, will they see that I'm probably leaving them and not pay out? Or on the other hand will this make them just pay me back and shut my account as I'm clearly going anyway?
It's a bit of a silly question, but I'm not sure whether to just hold on, leave the Barclays account alone for a bit until Abbey have done something (but what if that's months??). Or do you think it won't make any difference to Abbey?
Blimey, and I said it would be a quick question. Sorry, hope you're still awake - just didn't know how else to explain.

Twinkly

emski1234 wrote: »

Hi every1. I am currently in the process of claiming back from Abbey (I hear they're bad news:( ). Its very early days as I've only just sent off my 1st letter (having worked out the charges+interest etc myself from my statements).
The reason for my post is that I've opened a new account with Barclays for 2 reasons - 1. As a safety net incase Abbey close my account, and 2. Because I actually wanted to move to Barclays because thats where my joint account is and it would make things a lot easier. Now that I've got the Barclays account open, I don't know whether to move everything over from Abbey (direct debits, wages etc) or to wait until the whole Abbey refund thing is sorted (if it ever is!). I'd really like to get everything shifted over to Barclays, technically leaving my Abbey one empty but not closed, but I'm wondering if this would have any effect on my chances of Abbey refunding my charges?
i.e If they notice all my wage payments stop and money go out and dd's cancel, will they see that I'm probably leaving them and not pay out? Or on the other hand will this make them just pay me back and shut my account as I'm clearly going anyway?
It's a bit of a silly question, but I'm not sure whether to just hold on, leave the Barclays account alone for a bit until Abbey have done something (but what if that's months??). Or do you think it won't make any difference to Abbey?
Blimey, and I said it would be a quick question. Sorry, hope you're still awake - just didn't know how else to explain.

I'd move everything anyway and not give them the oppertunity to 'accidentally' bounce any direct debits and apply further charges. It will not affect your claim with regard to whether they refund them or not.

As to closing the account, if you are going to do it anyway it isnt a worry but if they do so as a retaliation for reclaiming charges then you can complain to the Financial Ombudmsan and be liable for compensation. See here for two such cases:
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/faq/answers/bank-charges_a8.html

Good luck

emski1234

Thanks Twinkly. Its good to know you don't think it'll effect my chances. Perhaps I will move everything then.