Returned Payment Fee

Damon999 · 9th June 2006, 16:41

Hi,
I have received a letter from MBNA regarding a Direct Debit that couldn't be processed. This is not very surprising as I cancelled the direct debit. My reason for doing so was that I had paid the balance in full and therefore didn't think there was a need for it, however, even though the balance was zero, they still attempted to take the £5 direct debit. As it wouldn't go through, they have now charged me £25.

I spoke to them in the hope of receiving some sense and got the fee reduced to £12.50 when I mentioned that I would pursue it in court if necessary, but they wouldn't drop it entirely. They say that as the direct debit is set up until further notice, that I should have told them I had cancelled it. I foolishly thought that if the balance was clear that they wouldn't take it but unfortunately common sense did not prevail.

What is my best course of action here?

fivelaws · 9th June 2006, 16:50

I don't think it matters how the penalty happened. The charge is excessive.

Follow the normal route; Data Protection Act, Prelim, LBA and court. Claim not just this £25 but all charges for the previous 6-years.

That'll learn 'em!

surreyscouse · 9th June 2006, 16:50

contact stuart johnson stuart.johnson@mbna.com or 01244 576317 and explain it was a genuine mistake, he'll refund the rest for you no probs, if not go through the formality of issuing LBA's and summons etc although deemed most likely.

If you want to keep the account it is probably best not to mention sites like this as he may well close the account like he has done to a few other people on here.

Damon999 · 9th June 2006, 16:51

Lol, unfortunately, this is the first fee I've had applied to this card.

I take it I should pay the fee before pursueing it any further so as not to affect my credit record.

Damon999 · 9th June 2006, 16:54

Thanks surreyscouse. I'll give that a go. I'm closing the account anyway so it would just save me having them trying to talk me out of it

I had to admire the woman at the end of the phone. At the end of the conversation she explained about the balance transfer offer and would I be interested and then about a loan and she managed to sound serious about it.

Damon999 · 10th June 2006, 17:49

Well I don't know if it was the e-mail to Stuart Johnson or just that the customer service staff had second thoughts after my conversation with them but it appears I have had the £25 fee refunded to the account in full.

Thanks for the help

barracad · 11th June 2006, 00:28

Congratulations!!

fivelaws · 11th June 2006, 00:33

Result!

If nothing else, you now know the score - let your friends know; spread the word.

surreyscouse · 12th June 2006, 10:28

Easy ! Easy !

Damon999 · 12th June 2006, 11:29

Ok, little update.

Stuart Johnson read and replied to my e-mail this morning so it must have been the customer services that refunded the charge, unless they were going to apply the reduced £12.50 at a later date.

Anyway, Stuart Johnson said he will happily cancel the charge so I have sent him the details he needs to access my account just in case.

Result either way.

Thanks again

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