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Credit card over limit fee

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I've just received my credit card statement and see that I have been charged a £12 over limit fee, (I went £44 over my limit unknowingly). When I contacted the company (JAJA), they said they automatically charge it and do not have to tell you or refuse a transaction to go through that would take you over the limit. Admittedly, on the back of the statement it lists all fees and charges.  I do not have a mobile phone compatible with apps and do not use online banking. 
When I repeatedly asked why they don't send a 'warning' text or email to inform me I was nearing my limit it was met with silence - what is the point of having a Credit Card limit if the company is just going to use it to make more money out of you by charging you fees you have not agreed to ?  
I have never been overdrawn or charged fees in the past as always pay my bill in full.  
JAJA was previously The Post Office Money visa card which changed part way through December.
Has anyone ever successfully challenged this fee ?
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Comments

  • write to them complaining and tell them you will take it to the financial ombudsman, ittl cost them hundreds, they will probably refund you. If they dont refund, and the ombudsman doesnt favour you at least youm have the satisfaction of costing them hundreds and wasting their time.
  • Keeka
    Keeka Posts: 11 Forumite
    Third Anniversary First Post
    The person that took my call has forwarded on my comments in the form of a Registered Complaint to the Complaints department and they will then put in writing their reasons for ignoring any monetary limits.  Then i will contact the  financial ombudsman.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 35,242 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 31 December 2020 at 3:05PM
    Keeka said:

    what is the point of having a Credit Card limit if the company is just going to use it to make more money out of you by charging you fees you have not agreed to ?  

    It's so that you know the limit at which you will have incur additional fees. Obviously if you feel the need to spend outweighs the cost, you have potential to do that. 

    There's also the issue of off line transactions.

    They're only charging you the fees you agreed to.
  • You'll probably get it refunded but it should also be recorded on your credit as well so one to keep an eye on. That said, you would be relying on good will as you have chosen to not use any of the facilities available to you to monitor and manage your balance, so it is your fault for overspending, not their fault. Think about it logically, say you were stuck in the middle of nowhere and the bank refused your payment for a taxi due to being close to your limit, would you be happy?
    Enter the 21st century, get a basic smart phone (you can get them for peanuts these days) and / or manage the balance online and you'll avoid the issue.
  • cymruchris
    cymruchris Posts: 5,562 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Keeka said:
     I do not have a mobile phone compatible with apps and do not use online banking. 

    How do you keep a track of your spending then?

    Every credit card has a limit - so either you need a way to track it (using a mobile or a browser) or you need to record your own spends and know when your limit is near.

    You are doing the spending, and you have the responsibility to stay within your limit. 

    It's not for them to have to tell you - that's why the fees are there - for when people go beyond the limit as you have done.

    There's a reasonable chance you might get the fee refunded as you're kicking up a stink - and if you do that's great - but you need to ensure you don't let yourself get into a similar position in future, by either adopting online banking, getting a smartphone, or writing down every penny you spend on a bit of paper and then adding it up as you go along. (I know which two of those three options I'd choose!)
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,664 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 1 January 2021 at 12:25PM
    molerat said:
    Unfortunately in this modern world it seems it is always someone else's responsibility to manage personal financial affairs for you.

    I don't think you can be that judgmental, I think there should be a shared responsibility. They bury all the terms and conditions in such dense text that they can't expect everyone to read and understand them. There are very few things that most people actually need to know & they should make those things more obvious.

    For example that they don't enforce the credit limit because it's cheaper to do batch/offline transactions.

    Or that you really ought to get a smart phone and use their app as a lot of banks are moving away from sending text messages to sending in app alerts.
  • penners324
    penners324 Posts: 3,511 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Every credit card charges a fee for going over the limit. And they always have.
    I don't see what you're complaining about.
    Jaja have an that you can use to track your spending. Every credit card does now. 
    Get the app. 
    Some credit cards let you set text or email notifications, usually set in their app, when you get close to the limits.
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