claiming back bank charges

mr blades · Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2 Location: London Town

i have been reading about claiming back the money the bank has charged me when payments have bounced and i have been overdrawn.

However, will the bank not be pleased, will they stop my account? will it affect my credit ratinG?

please let me know if you know

Caroline · ClearDebt Advisor Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 10

Happy New Year!

In response to your question:

Some banks will close down your account when they pay out the cash. This would lead to a problem, so we would suggest that you set up a bank account elsewhere just to make sure.

Banks cannot put a note on your credit reference files about this, but the fact that you were overdrawn in the first place would have affected your credit rating!
However, the individual banks you are claiming the money back from may keep in their files a note that you were a "difficult customer" and this might affect further applications you make there.

I hope this is useful, if you have any other questions, please let me know and i will endeavour to find out for you

Caroline

mr blades · Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Posts: 2 Location: London Town

sound!

Its prob worth it still for me i think ive paid quite a few ton on charges over the years, innit.

Im not totally sure how much though, how would i find out the exact amount i can get back?

thanks

Caroline · ClearDebt Advisor Joined: 27 Nov 2006 Posts: 10

Yes, you are able to find out how much you have paid over the last 6 years in fines ( six years the the time period limited by law).

Firstly, if you have online banking, I suggest you look there first and see what is available. If not, send a letter to your bank requesting a fully comprehensive list of all past charges.

You have a legal right to do this under the Data Protection Act. However, the banks, and building societies are allowed to charge for this information, and the maximum amount is £10. They do usually charge the full amount so it might be a good idea to enclose a cheque for £10 with your letter.

The bank only then has a maximum of 40 days to respond. So, if you do not get a reply, give them a bell.

Good luck

Caroline