Feeling disheartened by these threads

Wywth

baggyann wrote: »

When I say complaint it was more of a begging letter, I had two issues, one was with the fees for the current account itself (one of those package types) and the other for financial hardship - hoping they will reduce outstanding balances by the amount I had been charged for overdraft fees etc. I just wanted to review the situation to see if hey have the heart to redress the charges and fees. I'm calling them tomorrow to check they've received everything

If you are currently paying fees for a packaged account, your're probably doing yourself no favours (unless you can take good advantage of what the 'package' offers - typically insurance policies. If you can, then you can't complain about the cost). Ask the bank to downgrade toone of their free current accounts if you no longer want the packaged account.

If you think it was possibly mis-sold to you, this article should be helpful:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-packaged-bank-accounts

Regarding reclaiming banking charges, then I'm afrarid there is little mileage left since the days the banks gained victory in the Supreme Court in 4 years ago.

Whilst inappropriate charges (those applied other than in accordance with their terms/tariffs) can be reclaimed, such causes for complaint are indeed rare.

'First time offences' can also be successfully waived/reclaimed if you ask nicely and don't go in with all guns blazing - there is no obligation on the banks whatsoever to waive/refund these but often do so on a goodwill basis is aked.

The only other basis is genuine financial hardship.
The link by the above poster conveniently povides a link to what is considered financial hardship - definitely worth a read as it's not what most people may think at first glance. More online links available in this sticky thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2428497
sadly it's suffered some vanadlism in recent times, but who cares?

If, having read all that, you still think you do qualify as in financial hardhip, then this article is useful:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges

But again, there is no obligation on the bank to refund any charges, (and the suceess rate is no where near as good as 'first offenders' get). As the article says:

The safest thing to do is plan your finances on the fact you WON'T get a payout, but cross your fingers in the hope you will.

baggyann

Thank you both for your posts, I read the links and used the templates provided by MSE for both the bank charges and account mis-sale. I have had previous success with a PPI claim but thank you for your additional thoughts. If either of these prove successful I will be sure to update you all.
Halifax have confirmed receipt so here's hoping for a good result...

baggyann

Hi, just to update my position.

My package account mis-sale has been resolved with Halifax issuing me a cheque for just over £300. Whilst they did not want to comment on whether the account was mis-sold or not, they recognised that when I began getting into financial hardship they should have advised cancelling the package. Instead they increased my overdraft to allow for the fees to be covered. In recognition that they contributed to my financial hardship they calculated the total amount of fees paid from the point I began getting into difficulty to the day they finally allowed me to cancel the fees and added interest on top. I do still believe it was mis-sold but I felt I would rather have the recognition that it caused me hardship and accepted the offer. :beer:

Reason being that my other issue in relation to the overdraft charges etc is a much bigger fish. I think that now I have it in writing that Halifax accept they contributed to my difficulties during these years, in addition to acknowledging they should have done more to help than continuously increasing my overdraft that I have a more solid grounding to negotiate with. In addition, my previous success with PPI against the Halifax means that on two counts they have cost me unnecessary monthly outgoings so hopefully they will consider a settlement with me. It's 3 weeks in now, they said they will look to be in touch within 8 weeks so fingers crossed!