Wow. A very full, considered and helpful response. Thankyou very much. One last thing... I have tried to access the claim form for businesses 'Sample letter to your bank - business version' via the link in the tread 'restarting my claim' but it is now an invalid link. Is this because the letter is now out of date, or can I find a sample letter elsewhere? I have looked via search engines but seem only to find them for personal accounts. Can I adapt one of these safely as an alternative?

I have just joined this site and to say the least I'm confused by things the way they stand right now. I didn't even realise that different procedures/results applied when dealing with a (Natwest sole trader in my case) business account. I don't think I'm up to the complication and expense of pursuing my claim independently to its conclusion. So, in the first instance I'm thinking of sending in a claim for all the relevant charges on my account using the standard form found on here. Should I claim back beyond 6 years (I opened the account in 2001) or is that pointless? Will the bank even give me records over 6 years old? (I can't quickly and easily access all my records at the moment as I am currently abroad). If I get an unsatisfactory response from the bank I am inclined to use an intermediary claims company and accept the loss of 25% in the hope of a quicker settlement without the initial cost and hassle there will otherwise be to myself. Are there any recommendations that can be made to me privately, or suggestions as to how to source a good company (I have no clued-in family or friends to recommend one)? - I have read about the pitfalls of a bad choice above. Will the fact that this is a business account cause problems for such a company at the moment?

Ah ok, thanks for that. At least I know now!

Thanks so much for the quick reply. And, can I include these charges in my claim or not?

Hello all, Sorry if this has been asked before - newbie here. I am claiming charges back form NatWest and I'm unsure whether to incluse the following on my list: 1) OVERDRAFT ARRANGEMENT FEE 2) DAY/MONTH A/C XXXXXX (seem to be bi-monthly) I contacted the NW phone helpline but they told me to approach my manager for information on what the latter actually is. Still waiting for her call back. As most of my charges were racked up 4 or more years ago I need to get this in quickly as I understand I can only go back 6 years and each day I lose some more charges to chase! Thanks in advance for any help.