Santander backdated bank charges

CrumbsChief

Hi,
I'm currently in financial hardship & decided to write to the bank (Santander) to ask for a refund for the thousands of pounds of bank charges I have had over the years which have contributed greatly. I eventually got a response on the phone saying they understood my situation but could only refund the current cycle ie the past month & not any further back as it's not allowed. I was wondering if this is legitimate? Are they telling the truth or are they just saying it so I wouldn't take the matter further? Has anyone had any recent dealings with Santander & have been told the same? Thanks.

[Deleted User]

CrumbsChief wrote: »

I was wondering if this is legitimate?

Since the bank are under no obligation to refund any bank charges, you cannot "take this further".

You cannot reclaim historical bank charges, the Banks won their court case on that.

dunstonh

decided to write to the bank (Santander) to ask for a refund for the thousands of pounds of bank charges I have had over the years which have contributed greatly.

Nothing wrong with asking but they dont have to refund them.

I eventually got a response on the phone saying they understood my situation but could only refund the current cycle ie the past month & not any further back as it's not allowed. I was wondering if this is legitimate?

There are no rules that require them to do anything. They choose their own internal rules. They are just required to look at your request and treat you fairly.

Financial hardship claims rarely see long periods refunded. Some only go 6 months, some a year. Some will give nothing back but suspend future charges for a period. It really depends on how severe your hardship is.

One month suggests they do not believe you meet their criteria of financial hardship. To help us understand the level of hardship you are in, can you let us know if you are in arrears with debts or utilities? Do you have luxury items or non-essential items being purchased via your bank (sky/cable tv direct debit, mobile phone, shopping at waitrose or M&S etc)?

CrumbsChief

dunstonh wrote: »

Nothing wrong with asking but they dont have to refund them.



There are no rules that require them to do anything. They choose their own internal rules. They are just required to look at your request and treat you fairly.

Financial hardship claims rarely see long periods refunded. Some only go 6 months, some a year. Some will give nothing back but suspend future charges for a period. It really depends on how severe your hardship is.

One month suggests they do not believe you meet their criteria of financial hardship. To help us understand the level of hardship you are in, can you let us know if you are in arrears with debts or utilities? Do you have luxury items or non-essential items being purchased via your bank (sky/cable tv direct debit, mobile phone, shopping at waitrose or M&S etc)?

My arrears are substantial debts amounting over £5000, alot of this goes towards a guarantor loan I had to take out. Also in debt management programme which I have struggled to pay in the past due to little money (one particular instance in April when I had severe bank charges I couldnt pay it). I just really want to know if there is any point in me trying to pursue this further.

[Deleted User]

CrumbsChief wrote: »

I just really want to know if there is any point in me trying to pursue this further.

Are you reading the responses? You cannot "take this further". Historical bank charges will not be refunded.

You can ask the Bank to formally consider your "financial hardship", but they still won't refund charges dating back years ago.

CrumbsChief

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Are you reading the responses? You cannot "take this further". Historical bank charges will not be refunded.

You can ask the Bank to formally consider your "financial hardship", but they still won't refund charges dating back years ago.

What I meant was going to FOS for help, but judging by your response you think that would be pretty pointless?

Sinhanada

Unfortunately it will be Crumbs. The Ombudsman will not be able to help as the courts agreed that the banks did not need to pay back the charges applied to accounts.

My suggestion to you would be to review your current debt management plan with whoever is helping you. Hopefully this is one of the free services out there and not one that is charging you a fee each month

dunstonh

CrumbsChief wrote: »

My arrears are substantial debts amounting over £5000, alot of this goes towards a guarantor loan I had to take out. Also in debt management programme which I have struggled to pay in the past due to little money (one particular instance in April when I had severe bank charges I couldnt pay it). I just really want to know if there is any point in me trying to pursue this further.

Being on a debt management plan is part of the problem. That is seen as a way for you to manage your debts in a way that is affordable whilst agreeing terms with the lenders. So, in effect, your debts are now affordable.

Did the response from the branch or via the customer relations central address? The branches have less discretion than the main customer relations/complaints team.

What I meant was going to FOS for help, but judging by your response you think that would be pretty pointless?

The FOS will only make sure that the bank has treated you fairly.