Woman on a Mission - GM Card (HFC bank)

[traisi]

Sent letter requesting statements which I received free of charge within 10 days! I've added up the 'charges' on the GM card and wondered if I can claim back the interest charged on these 'charges' and if so at what rate do I calculate it.
On statements monthly interest rates are 1.530% (18.4%pa) on retail transactions and 1.655% (19.9%pa) on cash advances.
I'm not sure if the charges would be counted as retail or cash but I'm sure interest will be levied against them - to be honest I'd be happy with the lower amount but still need to know how to calculate it.

SORRY - JUST READ POST ON HALIFAX THREAD ABOUT CLAIMING INTEREST - DON'T MEAN TO BE AN IGNORAMUS BUT HAVE 3 YR OLD TWINS WHO KEEP ME UP HALF THE NIGHT BY THE TIME i GET TO DOING THIS I'M A BIT BRAIN DEAD! (Still unsure at what rate to apply)

[traisi]

Have finally got around to working out the interest and sent off my request for the repayment of £2953 (charges plus interest). Received a letter this morning as follows: -

Dear Mrs XXXXXX

Re: Account XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Thank you for your letter dated 26th June 2006; I have now fully investigated the matters raised.

Default charges are charges payable if customers do not make the required minimum payment by the payment due date, if they exceed their credit limit, or if a payment to their credit card account is returned unpaid. The amount of these charges, and the circumstances, in which they are applied, is set out clearly in HFC Bank Ltd’s credit card agreements. We believe that our charges to customers are fair and reasonable.

The OFT has recently published the findings from its enquiry into default charges on credit cards. HFC Bank has carefully considered the OFT’s publication and does not accept its findings. However, the OFT’s investigation has let to a change in market practices and we have therefore decided, for commercial reasons and in the interests of customers, to reduce our credit card default charges for the future. These changes do not affect charges that have already been applied. Accordingly, I regret that we are not prepared to make any refund of default charges or provide any compensation payments. I hope I have been able to clarify HFC Bank’s position on credit card charges.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me to bring this matter to my attention, I am only sorry it was necessary for you to do so. I hope that matters have now been resolved to your satisfaction, however, should you require any additional information or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0121 214 5841.

Yours sincerely

Clare Plummer
Senior Customer Service Advisor
Executive Complaints


What do you reckon - do I just carry on with my LBA?

[DavidBellchamber]

Dear Traisi,

Yes! Definitely carry on with your LBA.

The reply you received is a standard 'sod off' letter meant to frighten you off and make you think there is no point in pursuing the matter.

Be patient and stick with it and provided you follow the guidance in this forum, you will succeed!

David

[TUTTSI]

Hi Traisi
Good Luck with your claim against GM.
I am just getting my LBA together to send to GM. Can you please advise what address you sent your letter to as the only address I can find is a BOX - I hate PO boxes.
Thanks
DS

[sallysas]

Going to be taking these people on soon and have the following addresses for you.

Their name seems to have changed to Beneficial Finance (instead of Household Bank) - beneficial to whome? PO Boc 1071 Bootle L21 2WF.

However on back of statement it states this Beneficial Finance is the trading name of HFC Bank let which has its registered office at: North Street Winkfield Windsor Berkshire SL4 4TD.

Power to the people I say.