Hi scotscherub, I'm no lawyer and you'll certainly get a more complete response in the morning, but basically you can make a claim through the courts for 5 years (6 in england). earlier than that it gets tricky. just because you've limited your request to one year just now does not mean that you cannot go back 5 or 6 years and ask for all the penalty charges to be repayed. I'm not sure how you would stand, though, if you signed the document accepting a partial refund in 'full and final settlement'. The bank will certainly try to intimidate you into settling for less than the full amount, either with as you say veiled threats to close your accounts, or perhaps by bluffing with contract terms and conditions or legalese. The bank is probably entitled to close your accounts if it chooses and you have to decide what affect that eventuality would have on you. good luck with your claim!

fruitycar - following your progress with a lot of interest, as I will very shortly be following in your footsteps. best of luck - and don't forget to tell us how you get on!