Thread: Aaronsdad v A & L

Hi Folks,
It's been a while since I've been on this site because I finally got back on my feet after Halifax refunded me everything.

So what happened? Well, I was doing voluntary work in India over winter. The call centre assured me I could use internet banking whilst there. Three times I phoned, informed them I would be there, checked about internet access etc. Of course I was told everything would be fine. When I got there my card was declined. I tried to go online to see what was happening - India is a blocked country. Had to phone the ridiculous 0844 number and spent 30 minutes on hold (good job India is cheap). Eventually I got everything working again.
When I was on my way home my card was retained in Bahrain. It took seven weeks to get another card and access my online banking. To my horror I was overdrawn by a couple of hundred pounds. Seems they'd neglected to tell me that they charge not only a percentage of foreign withdrawals but £1.50 too. I know it's in the small print somewhere but this is not what the call centre told me during the three calls above!
There was also a payment of £108 which didn't ring any bells. I queried it, pestered them and got it refunded. A month later I was overdrawn because they'd taken it back without notice. They then sent me a copy of the transaction which has a very good signature on it. Trouble with that is I was 400 miles north on that day! Whilst that's reflected in my blog I can't really prove it.
That was the start, from being a model customer with no charges for a year I am now reaching £1000 in charges this year. Same old story, as soon as you think your head is above water they hit you with more.

Tried using the financial hardship angle to no avail but I did have a bit of a result today as they refunded £50 as a goodwill gesture.

And to the point!
They offered to move my account to a Choice account. It seems a good deal both from what I was told and from their website. Having searched forums I can't find anymore about it. Does anyone having anything to say, good or bad?

Finally, my complaint is registered with the bank. I'm not up to speed with the current situation, should I still file in court now?

Any ideas gratefully received. Will keep you posted.

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I bank with A&L, I too was offered the choice account the monthly fee being £10.00, however I didn't return any paper work as a colleage told me he had nothing but trouble.