MBNA cash transaction charge

zoemk12

We’re getting married next week in Portugal & last week I transferred 5k via wise to the venue using my MBNA card. I didn’t need to use a credit card I have the cash but last time I used my Santander current account & they blocked the payment, my card and I then had to spend over an hour on the phone to get it paid, plus it took 24 hrs for my card to be unblocked.
So I thought I’d use my CC & then just transfer the cash. However, I was unaware of the 5% fee! So was horrified the next day to be charged over £200! 

I raised a complaint and they’ve just called to say they’re not upholding it because they sent me a letter last July & it’s on my statement. For me this doesn’t wash. As it’s such a huge fee I think they should have a pop up reminding people? Is it worth me taking to the ombudsman? 

I’m gutted to be honest especially with the expense of a wedding. It was totally unnecessary for me to go via then and now it’s cost dearly. 

[Deleted User]

Cash and forex fees are common on cards , with a few notable exceptions, so it seems to wash ok.

The Ombudsman won't over rule contractual fees.

molerat

On every statement it clearly shows all the various charges, they are not hidden in small print.

You can't really say you were unaware of it.

born_again

You could take it to FOS. But would not hold out much hope of a win. 

zoemk12

molerat said:

On every statement it clearly shows all the various charges, they are not hidden in small print.

You can't really say you were unaware of it.

I wasn’t aware of it! I only look at my transactions on my statement, I don’t read all of the small print, for anyone? 

zoemk12

Deleted_User said:

Cash and forex fees are common on cards , with a few notable exceptions, so it seems to wash ok.

The Ombudsman won't over rule contractual fees.

I did expect a fee, I just thought it was a set fee like £20 not 5%! 

Surely they have an obligation to ask someone before they proceed? My bank ask me every time I send a payment if I am being pressured to do so, so why can’t they say ‘ this transaction will incur a 5% fee’? 

Ebe_Scrooge

zoemk12 said:

molerat said:

On every statement it clearly shows all the various charges, they are not hidden in small print.

You can't really say you were unaware of it.

I wasn’t aware of it!

zoemk12 said:

they sent me a letter last July & it’s on my statement.

So they sent you a letter (presumably to either remind you of their T&Cs, or to notify you of a change in T&Cs?).  Your statement also shows what charges will be imposed for which services?  I'm struggling to understand how you could not be aware of it.

[Deleted User]

zoemk12 said:

Deleted_User said:

Cash and forex fees are common on cards , with a few notable exceptions, so it seems to wash ok.

The Ombudsman won't over rule contractual fees.

Surely they have an obligation to ask someone before they proceed?  

No, they surely don't.  Transactions are just processed according to the agreement - it's not revalidated each time.

Placitasgirl

They wrote to you advising you of the terms of your agreement and also detail charges/fees on your statement. It is your choice not to read and keep yourself informed of these charges, they are provided to you so in my opinion you were negligent in not checking this before making your payment by card. MBNA have done all that's required of them. 

zoemk12

Don’t remember getting the letter but at the time I would’ve ignore because I’ve never sent money abroad & had no need to at the time. As I said I look at my stet balance, amount to clear, transactions that’s all. 

Ebe_Scrooge

zoemk12 said:

Don’t remember getting the letter but at the time I would’ve ignore because I’ve never sent money abroad & had no need to at the time. As I said I look at my stet balance, amount to clear, transactions that’s all. 

With respect, MBNA have clearly informed you of all T&Cs (including charges) relating to your card.  If you choose not to read them, then the fault lies with you.  As a general piece of advice, it's always prudent to make sure you fully understand any financial product before deciding whether to use it - I know the small print is not exactly light bedtime reading, but it's important stuff.  Well, the same goes for any contract really, but is arguably even more important where finance is involved.