Thanks for the comments, I might try the basic account. We'll see how it goes...

I'm reclaiming bank charges from Barclays and I've read that at some point I may need to open a "parachute" account, in case Barclays decide to shut my account down. I know that it is quite simple to open a new account with another bank and move all my direct debits, etc, using their switching facility. The problem is that I am overdrawn. I read that Alliance & Leicester do a good account where you can move your overdraft, but you have to have been in the black at least 2 days in the previous month. I haven't been in the black for MONTHS due to snowballing bank charges. What can I do? If I just open a new account and switch over my payments, salary, etc, what happens to the overdraft at Barclays? Are there any other banks that will allow you to move your overdraft across? Any help appreciated.

At least they are sending you the info you need without too much hassle. It will be a bit more aggro for you having to go through all the statements and list out all the charges yourself, but will be worth it in the long run.

Thanks Jules. My application is now in the post, so let's see what happens.

I'm just about to send off the DPA letter to Barclay's requesting details of all my charges, etc, etc. I don't have a cheque book to send them the £10. Will it be OK if I send a postal order? Or will they make some issue out of this and say they can't accept it for some reason? Thanks. Also can someone confirm that I send this letter to: BARCLAYS BANK PLC 1 CHURCHILL PLACE LONDON E14 5HP Thanks.

Thanks for that great reply Josamolly. I have decided to go for it and am currently preparing the data protection act letter to get the details of all my charges.

Already got TWO loans on the go with Barclayloan as well, so they can stick that idea up their xxxx for a start!

I'm in the same boat, see my thread below. Barclays have been doing it to me for about the last 7 or 8 months ever since I went over my limit due to needing urgent house and car repairs. Now I go over my limit every month and can't get it back down. I'm hoping I'll be able to claim it all back.

I was wondering about this too, the thing is I have quite a few direct debits set up with Barclays and also loan repayments with Barclayloan that come out via direct payment. I'm bricking it at the thought of Barclays turning nasty and closing my account, and demanding I pay off my overdraft in full and also the bloody loan! If that happens I will be in deep doo-doo even if I have another bank account set up.

I'm about to make this first step too. Good luck geordie79...

Thanks for replying.. Yes I was quite surprised at the number of people on here with similar stories.. it's not just me being crap with my finances! Barclays, what a bunch of xxx.

Hi all, I signed up here yesterday and have been reading the FAQs etc. You've probably heard it all before but here's my situation: Several months ago I had some unexpected bills come up (urgent house and car repairs) which led to me going over my overdraft limit. I have gone over my limit every month since and am finding it impossible to get down again, because of the fees Barclays are charging me. I wrote and asked if they could raise my overdraft limit to avoid incurring the fees, thus making it easier to get my overdraft back down to a manageable level, but the xxx refused. Then I heard about this website and here I am. As I said, this is probably not an unusual story, and I'm now condsidering trying to claim all the fees back. What do you think? Am I in with a chance?