Can I Reclaim Bank Charges?

Scarla

Hello

New here, so please be kind

A few years ago I had a bank account with the Halifax, I ran up a very large overdraft and incurred approx. £800 in bank charges.

I tried to claim them back but they said they would only pay it to the account, which had been sold to a debt collection agency. Stupidly, I did not take it any further and did not reclaim the charges.

The debt became a CCJ which I paid for 6 years, this has now fallen off my credit report and the debt collection agency told me to stop paying. Why I do not know but they haven't contacted me at all regarding making payments.

My question is, even though it is over 6 years ago can I still reclaim my bank charges and if so, how do I go about it?

Thank you in advance for any help.

dunstonh

My question is, even though it is over 6 years ago can I still reclaim my bank charges and if so, how do I go about it?

You can ask them to review the complaint you made 6 years ago but you may find you are out of time now as there are time limits.

Scarla

Ah, I see. I was not aware there were time limits.

Thank you.

dunstonh

The bank can choose to ignore them.

Scarla

Thank you for your help.

How do I find out how much the charges were? I know it was in the region of £800 but I do not have my statements anymore.

Also, is there a template letter I should use?

dunstonh

How do I find out how much the charges were?

Dont worry about it. You dont need to state the charges.

Also, is there a template letter I should use?

No. As everyone's reasons for financial hardship are going to be different, you just need to explain why you believe you are in financial hardship. Give details of your arrears, defaults and other debts you have and bills you are finding it hard to pay etc

Scarla

Well, I have sent my letter so keeping fingers & toes crossed.

I did call, but they said it needed to be done in writing.

Scarla

Halifax called me today, with regards to my letter.

They said they cannot consider my current claim (the letter I sent yesterday, stating I am in hardship) as it's time barred and the account is no longer available to view. They also stated I should contact my current bank for help with hardship. I have no charges on my current account.

However, they also stated that they will look into the matter regarding my first claim (2007) as I did not actually receive my charges back.

I asked for a time frame and was told there isn't one. I gave them the reference of the original letter I received, the telephone number is no longer active.

I am confused, could anybody help?

dunstonh

They said they cannot consider my current claim (the letter I sent yesterday, stating I am in hardship) as it's time barred and the account is no longer available to view.

As I said earlier, it could be timebarred and Halifax have said it is. However, they can volunteer to look at it and it suggests that they are checking it. You will have to wait and see.

They also stated I should contact my current bank for help with hardship. I have no charges on my current account.

Financial hardship relates to current financial hardship. Not historic.

Scarla

Halifax called me again and said that they have found the original offer letter and the acceptance slip that I returned, which I had crossed out for the amount to be credited to my account and asked that the payment should be paid directly to me.

And so, they said I rejected their offer and now owe me nothing.

Is this correct, I guess so.

Scarla

Just phoned Halifax back, they will not back down and state I can't take it any further. This is their final decision.