Can the bank close my account?

Lizzietcats

Hi,
I want to reclaim bank charges from Santander which occurred over the past 18 months when I was on maternity leave/had difficulties selling a house I owned.
I'm living with my partner now and have a much better situation. I want to reclaim but I'm sure I've heard somewhere that if you're successful they can close your account. This worries me as I tried to open a tesco current account and was refused - my credit rating has obviously not recovered!
Feel in a bit of a catch 22 situation re reclaiming - does anyone know if they're likely to close my account if I'm successful?
Thanks

Buzby

No idea. The bottom line of course is any bank can close your account as long as the reasoning is deemed acceptable. Fraud, not adhering to the rules of conduct, even profitability all play their part.

mjm3346

If they are recent bank charges then there is a good chance they will be considered reasonable.

dunstonh

I want to reclaim but I'm sure I've heard somewhere that if you're successful they can close your account.

They rarely close accounts. However, if the person complaining it putting in a fraudulent/try-it-on complaint or creates a nuisance of themselves by continuing to act in a frivolous nature, then it can happen.

I'm living with my partner now and have a much better situation.

It may be too late then. Banks look at people who are in current financial hardship. Not historic.

Aquamania

Lizzietcats wrote: »

Hi,
I want to reclaim bank charges from Santander which occurred over the past 18 months when I was on maternity leave/had difficulties selling a house I owned.
I'm living with my partner now and have a much better situation. I want to reclaim but I'm sure I've heard somewhere that if you're successful they can close your account. This worries me as I tried to open a tesco current account and was refused - my credit rating has obviously not recovered!
Feel in a bit of a catch 22 situation re reclaiming - does anyone know if they're likely to close my account if I'm successful?
Thanks

Whilst I believe in the very early days of reclaiming bank charges, some banks did close the accounts of those making a complaint over bank charges, the ombudsman has long since said this is not to happen.
(There are, of course other reasons a bank may correctly close your account, but generally at least 30 days notice is required)
Back then, I believe the MSE guide included a suggestion to have a back up account ready with a different bank before making a claim, this requirement has now been removed from the MSE guide following the clarification by the FOS.

The lending code states

Subscribers will deal quickly and sympathetically with things that go wrong and act sympathetically and positively when considering a customer’s financial difficulties.

http://www.lendingstandardsboard.org.uk/docs/lendingcode.pdf

I can't see how a bank closing a customers account only for the reason they have been successful in reclaiming charges would meet either of these requirements.

As dunstonh says, you have probably left it too late. Banks only generally consider refunding customers bank charges based on financial hardship where that financial hardship is current and the application of additional charges is causing ongoing hardship, or rather the non-application of such charges may be the best option to allow the customer to get out of financial hardship.

Lizzietcats

Thanks everyone- that's really helpful. I think I'll have a good go at reclaiming but I get what you say about it possibly being too late. Cheers!

Lizzietcats

Just another question- when applying for reclaimed charges, would you submit the letter via the online secure message email facility or by post? Does it matter?

Thrugelmir

Lizzietcats wrote: »

Feel in a bit of a catch 22 situation re reclaiming - does anyone know if they're likely to close my account if I'm successful?

If you are unsuccessful you may be regarded as a customer not worth dealing with. No business has an obligation to deal with anyone. Time costs money. So the reasons for reclaim need to be genuine. The bank has no liability for your management of your personal financial affairs and decisions you made.

Aquamania

Lizzietcats wrote: »

Just another question- when applying for reclaimed charges, would you submit the letter via the online secure message email facility or by post? Does it matter?

Follow the bank's complaint procedure - it will tell you the various options available.

Always keep a copy of the complaint sent - I know it may be available in the bank's online messaging system, but don't forget, the bank control's your access to that and what is available to you via it.

Lizzietcats

Ok thanks.