Reclaiming Account management charges

conar686

Sent in a complaint regarding a 12 management fee on my account. They have responded by stating the claim has been timed out.

The problem seems to be, I started paying this fee in 2002 and was sent updated T&Cs in 2014/15 they are saying I should have complained a lot earlier i.e. Timed out on 3 and 6 year rules.

Fact is I until I read the MSE emails I didn't fully look at the services offered. When I did I realised that I actually didn't need any of them. This led me to making the complaint.

They've said that's it please refer further to FCA if I wish to complain.

Do I have a case to complain, if so on what grounds

dunstonh

You have 6 years from the start or three years from being reasonably aware of an issue to make a complaint. It is whichever is the longer. The 6 year rule rarely gets applied as the three year rule tends to give the longer period.

Fact is I until I read the MSE emails I didn't fully look at the services offered. When I did I realised that I actually didn't need any of them. This led me to making the complaint.

That doesnt make it mis-sold. Equally, the firm has to have provided you written information about the fees to allow them to start the timebar. It cannot just be on a statement.

They've said that's it please refer further to FCA if I wish to complain.

you cannot refer it to the FCA to complain. The FCA do not handle individual consumer complaints. The FOS is the one to refer the complaint to.

Do I have a case to complain, if so on what grounds

Your complaint reason is weak but people have seen success on that. However, a number of the banks have issued benefit statements over the years restating what the account fee is for and what you get for it. Those letters are generally regarded as sufficient to activate the 3 year timebar clock.

Does the rejection letter state when they activated the 3 year timebar? ie. does it say they issued a letter in a certain year