Just two days after receiving court notification that Co-op were entering a defence, received letter from the bank notifying me of a full refund on everything I asked for, including interest, court costs etc. The letter didn't mention anything about the details of the claim regarding OFT ruling etc, just said they were sorry that I had received poor service. I'm sorting out the CAG donation now. Thanks to those on the board who have offered helpful advice.

Update: received no useful reply to LBA so went ahead with MCOL - charge £120.00. Claim sent to defendant on Nov 21st by court, deemed t have been served on Nov 26th. Today, received acknowledgment of service from court i.e. Co-op 'intend to defend all of this claim'. Dated Nov 27th. We'll wait and see what happens next...

A bank is a bank is a bank so, just like any other big capitalist company, they will ultimately act in their own interests. I've been with them for a long time, and have grown to understand this after being offered countless loans, credit cards blah blah. Just like any other bank. BUT if it's a choice between banking with the Co-op, who actively support and publicise up and coming charity work (and are currently threatening to pull the plug on huge pension investments in firms who are not meeting ethical guidleines), or any of the others who invest your money in tobacco companies, arms dealers etc, then its a no-brainer (for me anyway). Co-op = by far the best of a bad bunch IMHO (although they still haven't given me my refund - lol!) PS...or you could join a small building society with a hybrid current account

Received two standard holding letters, so sent LBA on Nov 2nd (recorded delivery). Co-op sent non-standard letter by return saying they 'understand my frustration' but will need 6 weeks to assemble evidence blah blah. Will update if (when) have to go to the next stage.

Prelim approach for payment sent (recorded delivery), on Oct 16th. Total amount £972.63. Will keep all updated...

Fair comment:)

I have no desire to "try and make a free society", although whether the slippery slope we are already on to a world paid for by advertising (free music downloads, Metro newspaper etc) can be arrested is debatable. It also makes sense to pick and choose your targets. I wouldn't squeeze one programmer writing shareware, just as I wouldn't particularly want to squeeze my local greengrocer (who provides a very good service) if they charged more than Tesco's/Walmart etc (not that that ever happens, but that's another story). ebay/Paypal, however, are a billion-dollar turnover company who are now in an effectively unchallenged postion in their market, and are exploiting that through a high (and fairly opaque) fee structure. Admittedly, that's not their "fault", they're just operating within a marketplace. As they charge a substantial fee for the same service they provide for free elsewhere, I thought I would ask for any thoughts, especially as they are in the financial sector. Obviously, I don't have the same knowledge of the legal position regarding "services" as others on the board, so am indebted to those who have passed on their opinions.

I sell a few bits and pieces on eBay (usually on 5p listing days ), and usually accept payment through Paypal. However, the fees are very steep; especially since I noticed this... Personal Account: if you have one of these you can accept payments from another Paypal account balance (ie money already in someone else's account), or from someone doing a bank transfer through their Paypal account. Premier Account: you can also accept payments made using credit/debit cards through a Paypal account. However, there is a fee for this of 3.4% + 20p. This may or may not be a fair charge; however, here's the rub. If you "upgrade" from Personal to Premier, you incur this fee on all transactions, including the ones which were previosuly free. This may be stretching the point, but in view of the Bank Charges situation, does Paypal fall into the same category. Maybe someone can set me straight if the OFT ruling for banks only applies to penalty charges. However, Paypal are certainly charging for something on the Premier account, which apparently doesn't cost them to administer. Even if there's no legal challenge available to them, I would be interested to know if anyone else has a view on this.

Late getting this thread started - apologies. SAR sent Sep 4th SAR 'payment received' (ie cheque banked) Sep 9th Statements received Oct 13/14th (less than 40 days!) ...checking through them and compiling letter/spreadsheet tonight to send off tomorrow. Will update then...

Hi there, Lost my old login details, so have now re-registered; 6 years of bank statements denting my welcome mat this morning reminded me! I am posting details in the Co-op bank forum now.... That's all for now - thanks