What a wonderfull bank (I don't think so)

Ian_W

Personally I'd write to them complaining that you never asked for a review, have not [I'm assuming] misused your overdraft or had any change of circumstances that could justify the need for such a costly review and how their unilateral decision to charge you for the review fits in with the FSA's requirement to treat customers fairly?
Ask for them to record this as a FORMAL complaint and issue a deadlock letter so that you can complain to the FOS if they are not prepared to refund the fee. That, I believe, will cost them £250+ so they won't be making much of a profit.
At the same time make arrangements to change banks, LTSB still does it for me, despite their occasional faults - but being in Poland I'm sure the World's Local Bank will be difficult to replace!
Whilst I agree with the points about bank charge reclaims costing those of us who don't transgress rubbish like this makes you understand why the banks get a bad rep and everyone wants to give them a kicking!

JohalaReewi

My partner got the £25 fee letter even though she doesn't have an overdraft facility (and is not overdrawn). She rang them and was told HSBC would refund the fee but that the overdraft review applied to all accounts (including business ones).

Sounds like a sneaky way to make some money.

gt94sss2

JohalaReewi wrote: »

My partner got the £25 fee letter even though she doesn't have an overdraft facility (and is not overdrawn). She rang them and was told HSBC would refund the fee but that the overdraft review applied to all accounts (including business ones).

According to the HSBC website this is not true.

Regards
Sunil

bexxie90

They have responded further and will not budge so I am now going to do as advised above and I am closing down my accounts (I have 5)

they are barstools

Bex.x

redrabbit29

bexxie90 wrote: »

They have responded further and will not budge so I am now going to do as advised above and I am closing down my accounts (I have 5)

they are barstools

Bex.x

That's absolutely disgraceful. I'm really angry for you, especially as I have a HSBC account!

When you do get things rolling with the bank movement maybe send them a letter letting them know you have moved.

Again, well done for not letting yourself be bullied/robbed.

Glittermonkey

I've had the same letter.

I had a £200 overdraft for years which I rarely used. I complained that it was thir choice to end my exisiting overdraft and "provide me with a new one" - nothing had changed, they were giving me the same limit!

The girl cancelled my overdraft on 3rd Jan as I wasn't happy with having to pay the charges.

I emailed a complaint and their reply

"In accordance with the bank’s Personal Banking Terms and Conditions and our Fair Fees policy, we will not charge an arrangement fee provided within the last six months we have not agreed to a request from you for a formal or informal Overdraft facility.

Whilst the bank is pleased to continue to provide you with a new 12 month Overdraft facility a fee is payable for this as an Overdraft was requested by yourself in the last six months.

However, I note from our records that your formal limit has been cancelled on 3 January 2008. As such the GBP25.00 formal arrangement fee will not be applied."

I've not requested an overdraft in the last 6 months, its been at £200 for years!

I checked my account today and I went overdrawn by £11 on 31st Dec but I transferred money into my account on 2nd Jan to fix this.

I also can see that they are charging me £25 for this! I didnt cancel my overdraft until 3rd Jan so I dont see why I should pay £25 as I had an agreed overdraft between 31 Dec and 2nd Jan.

To top it all off, a standing order I had to Barclaycard for the whole of last year "expired" on 31st Dec. I wasn't informed this would happen so now Barclaycard have charged me £12 as they didn't get Jan payment.

HSBC are no help and after years of being happy with them, I think it's time for me to switch banks.

redrabbit29

Iamthesmartestmanalive wrote: »

Why bother

You wont escape the charge

All banks are introducing this

Thank the !!!!!!s who spend money they arent meant too and show no finacial prudence then cry and abuse some loophole

!!!!ing the rest of us over

You CAN escape the charge, and you CAN show your disapproval. Why should you pay for a service you NEVER asked for.

Customers of the bank should not accept it. There are about another 10 banks (probably more, just a guess) out there, there is absolutely nothing special about HSBC - the worlds local bank.

Vote with your feet I say. FWIW I am a HSBC customer, and my current account has been my main one for about 10 years - it makes me feel really bitter about what they are doing.

bexxie90

I got my 325 refunded after 4 e-mail's have still switched tho

shell847

Does anyone know how the bank charges court case is going at all???
I am eager to get my money back A.S.A.P

sirsquack

Rafter wrote: »

Sounds like HSBC are doing something called a 'test and learn'

Totally agree with this comment, it is inevitable that banks are going to start looking else where to fill the £40 billion hole that overdraft charges would leave. HSBC are clearly testing the water here but kick up enough of a fuss and they will back down