I have had advice from a solicitor that the max claim for small claims is £25k. This is correct in that, in another context I issued a claim for £20k, which was eventually settled without going to court. My personal view is that you will get nothing from Lloyds TSB unless you do issue a claim. I have already done so, via https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp. Lloyds have stated they will file a defence but have 28 days to do so. I await the result. As someone has suggested there is a spreadsheet on this site to calculate the interest but basically it is calculated by multiply the claim by 8% (for the year) and then dividing by 365 (days) to get the daily rate of interest. Multiply the daily amount of interest by the number of days the claim has been outstanding. Please contact me if you require any further info. Good luck.

Louis, I don't believe one site is necessarily better than another. One takes the information proffered and determines one's own view. I will continue to use both sites, which are different, in that MSE merely provides advice from a single source, while CAG provides discussion forums and statistics. Both of which are helpful. The process of reclaiming is now well documented and not at all confusing. However, I agree that getting a refund for outrageous over charging by the banks is the primary objective. Wish me luck with Lloyds! Andy

Hi Louis, Surely the more information peeps have in their fight to recover unfair charges, the better? Moneysavingexpert.com has template letters for all occasions, which I found extremely useful. Point taken I should have made it clear that I was talking about the small claims and not fast or multi track, in relation to costs! Andy

Hi Louis, Thanks for the reply. I have been using the moneysavingexpert.com web site (until now!) so am fully conversant with the procedure and letters etc. My view is that LLoyds will go right to the wire but will NOT appear in court. Thanks and regards, Andy

Hi, Can I suggest that you also look at this site. MoneySavingExpert.com. I have just issued a summons to reclaim charges from LLoyds, who's whole defense tactic is based on prevarication! I have been advised by a solicitor that one can claim up to £25k via the small claims system. It is all straight forward an can be done on-line ( Small Claims - HMCS Money Claim Online) Even if a defense is filed, which knowing the way Lloyds act, is likely, it is UNLIKELY that LLoyds will actually appear in court. Remember LLoyds cannot recover their costs in a small claims court.

I have successfully claimed back over £600 in excessive bank charges from smile. So don't give up! smile seem to be one of the more responsible in terms of acknowledging overcharging and returning monies without too much hassle. I merely wrote for my charges, which were furnished within the 28 days and then again to request a refund. Within 14 days the money was in my account. Remember this is all done under the guise of Data Protection. £10 is the maximum the banks can charge. Lloyds TSB (business and personal) on the other hand have been extremely un helpful and I am now in the process of suing them through the small claims court re my business account; summons issued on Tuesday 8th May 2007. Over £3.5k charges in approx four years - crippling for a small business. However, I still await charge details for the personal account (letter dated 12th January 2007 and cheque for £10 cashed!) Any advice on how to expedite?