MrsR vs Halifax

[MrsR]

I've just read enough is enough thread - and am totally inspired now!

 

Yesterday I was charged unpaid DD fee as my account was overdrawn. The reason? Halifax unauthorised OD fee from previous month - classic!! I've checked my online statements back to April 05 and was horrified to discover I've paid £2258 in charges during that time - I was shocked as to how quickly they add up.

 

So now it's time to start the ball rolling - my data protection letter is done and will be in tomorrow's post!

 

Just 1 question - there's a lot of advice about setting up a new bank account, is there any particular banks/accounts you can suggest?

 

Will keep you posted! Thanks for the website

[mechs]

I've just read enough is enough thread - and am totally inspired now!

 

Yesterday I was charged unpaid DD fee as my account was overdrawn. The reason? Halifax unauthorised OD fee from previous month - classic!! I've checked my online statements back to April 05 and was horrified to discover I've paid £2258 in charges during that time - I was shocked as to how quickly they add up.

 

So now it's time to start the ball rolling - my data protection letter is done and will be in tomorrow's post!

 

Just 1 question - there's a lot of advice about setting up a new bank account, is there any particular banks/accounts you can suggest?

 

Will keep you posted! Thanks for the website

 

I think ones just as good or bad as the other

Good luck with your claim

[MrsR]

Will have a look round then

Thanks for help

[Michael Browne]

Barracad has compiled a complete list of basic bank a/c and their features and requirements here:

 

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general/13832-do-you-need-parachute.html

[gingerwelshman]

At the risk of sounding really unhelpful, and I appologise if I am, but the more I read about banks the more I think our great grandparents had the right idea. "Keep it under the mattress"

Failing that Mr M Lewis' website had some really positive stuff to say about the Alliance and Leciester a little while ago.

[gemmabe]

I have just been accepted to have a gold current account with Norwich and Peterborough. Their charges are less than most. They also take you if you have bad credit history, as I am proof, as I have quite a few defaults. They will also give you visa debit card and possibly initial overdraft of 500 pounds. Website is Internet banking, online current accounts, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards - Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

[gingerwelshman]

I have just been accepted to have a gold current account with Norwich and Peterborough. Their charges are less than most. They also take you if you have bad credit history, as I am proof, as I have quite a few defaults. They will also give you visa debit card and possibly initial overdraft of 500 pounds. Website is Internet banking, online current accounts, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards - Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

 

This sounds very interesting. Not wishing to "hijakc" I think the term is, but does anyone have any experience of this building society, especially in the area of mortgages or childrens savings accounts. If so could you PM me if you feel it appropriate. Like I said, I'd say put it here but I don't want to pull a thread off course as it were.

Many thanks.

[Hedgehog]

I think our great grandparents had the right idea. "Keep it under the mattress"

 

I'm pretty sure its illegal to keep more than about £200 under your mattress....just a random bit of ...well was going to say random fact, but not sure where i heard it... something to do with economy....:?

[gingerwelshman]

Your serious? Wow. I never knew we were limited to the amount we could keep in our own homes. I'll check that out.

[MrsR]

I sent my request for transactions letter the other day - hopefully won't take too long !! In the meantime, I realised I had my statements and charge letters back to April 05 'cos I use paper-free banking, so I decided to send prelim letter for this period now (to get the ball rolling - £2375 ), and will claim upto end March 05 when I get copy statements back - not sure if I can have more than 1 claim running at once but I'm happy to do it 1 at a time!

 

On the parachute account front - I've looked around at basic bank accounts, and the only 2 I found that allow you a debit card are NatWest Step (Solo) and Co-op Cashminder (visa electron). I've opted for Co-op as their unpaid item charges are only £19.50 and I can still do all my internet banking (with NatWest Step you can't pay bills online). Their site also says they don't charge you for being overdrawn (Halifax charge me £28 + interest). I did check this with Co-op, the conversation went like this:

 

MrsR - "you're unpaid item charge is £19.50"

Co-op- "that's right"

MrsR - "what's your charge for being overdrawn?"

Co-op - "well you can't have an overdraft with this account"

MrsR - "I know, and to be honest I don't want one. But for example, if my balance is £10 and I have DD to pay for £20, obviously it won't be paid and you'll charge me £19.50"

Co-op - "that's correct"

MrsR - "but £19.50 charge will make me overdrawn by £9.50 - what will the charge be for that?"

Co-op - "we wouldn't charge you for that" !!!

 

I double checked this with the lady on the phone and she said they definately wouldn't charge. Can this be true?! Does anyone else have experience of this?

 

Any comments/advice greatly appreciated

 

What a great site this is - so glad I found it! And will definately be making donation when I get MY money back :grin:

[MrsR]

I have just been accepted to have a gold current account with Norwich and Peterborough. Their charges are less than most. They also take you if you have bad credit history, as I am proof, as I have quite a few defaults. They will also give you visa debit card and possibly initial overdraft of 500 pounds. Website is Internet banking, online current accounts, mortgages, personal loans, credit cards - Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

 

I did look at this account, but you don't get a debit card with the basic bank account version - I did find the page for this account (on their website) a bit confusing! But thanks anyway gemmabe!

 

MrsR

[MrsR]

I received standard reply letter on Tuesday - "we're sorry you're not happy...." etc etc, and they'll get back to me within 4 weeks!

 

Obviously, I won't wait that long but do I need to write to them telling them this or just wait till 14 days is up then send LBA? I'm sure this has been raised in other threads (so apologies for asking same question again), but I couldn't find it or remember what the answer was

 

Any advice greatly appreciated

[Michael Browne]

Only reply if you enjoy writing pointless letters, otherwise send the LBA when the 14 days are up.

[MrsR]

Thanks Michael - it's not 1 of my particular hobbies so I won't bother :grin:

[MrsR]

This update's a bit late - kids

 

I received a letter from Claire McBride, Review Manager, on Saturday saying they are allowed to make these charges, etc, to cover their costs, etc etc etc, and as goodwill gesture offering me £310 in full and final settlement - thanks but I want all my money please!

 

The letter also had the following paragraph:

"You have requested information on how we calculate our costs for dealing with these transactions. (unpaid DD) Please note that we are not obliged under the Data Protection Act to supply this information, and as it is commercially sensitive, I regret to inform you that I am unable to comply with your request."

 

I've seen the bit about "not obliged to keep/record this information" in other threads, but never where DPA has been quoted before. Does it mean the same thing? That if they can't/won't give me this information, it's not justifiable?

 

I'll be doing LBA on Friday to say thanks for the offer, I'll accept £310 as partial refund but will still be going to court for the rest if you don't pay!

 

Any comments/advice greatly appreciated

[Michael Browne]

You're doing fine, ignore any letter unless it says ' here's all your money'. Send the LBA on Friday.

[nona]

Hi Mrs R

 

Not hijacking your thread, but i have received the blah blah 4 weeks letter to day as well. I am still intending to send the LBA on Monday 24th(14 day timetable) but do you know if you can send it as it is or will it need rewording and include something along the lines of "not prepared to wait a further 4 weeks"?

[MrsR]

Hi Nona

From what I've read in other's threads and FAQs, I don't think you need to mention about not waiting 4 weeks, etc - anyone, please let me know if I'm wrong! I think the LBA template (obviously adjusted for your own circumstances) is fine as it is. I'm going to include a bit in mine that says I accept offer of £xxx in partial settlement, but I still expect refund of remaining charges and if that's not forthcoming, then I'll be going to small claims court.

 

Good luck with your claim, keep us posted

 

Mrs R

[mechs]

Keep to your timetable, but obviously wait until the time has elapsed before moving to the next stage .....and no theres no need to put I am not waiting for four weeks

[nona]

thnx

[MrsR]

Just about to complete my LBA - just a quick question (I hope!)

 

I read in someone' elses thread (sorry can't remember which 1 now) that you can update the amount you're claiming at each stage - I understand you can increase you're claim to cover recent charges at the court stage, but can I add in charges made between prelim letter and LBA? I've recieved 2 more in the 2 weeks since I sent my prelim letter!

 

Thanks for everyone's help - this is a really great site

 

PS hubby has done prelim letter to Halifax Card Services to claim back £650 so will be making donation when we receive that back as well !

[Michael Browne]

can I add in charges made between prelim letter and LBA? I've recieved 2 more in the 2 weeks since I sent my prelim letter!

 

Yes, just adjust the figure in the LBA . Add them to the schedule of charges and enclose a copy with your letter

[nona]

Thnx Mrs R and Michael, I also have incurred further charges between letters so will add them on to the schedule on the LBA

 

Thanks again

Nona

Good luck MrsR

[MrsR]

Just an update - it's been a while but been to sunny Devon on hols and now a little behind on the 14 day time limit (I hope that doesn't matter too much)!

 

I received another letter from Halifax with an increased offer of £926 and reiterating they are keen to resolve our concerns - not keen enough refund all charges and stop it going to court though!

 

So it would seem I get to have a little trip to the local county court this week - lovely I decided to go to the court and do it in person in the hope it takes some of my anxiety (or is it fear) away!

 

My husband also received a response to his prelim letter while we were away - but I'll start another thread on that as I was a little surprised by their response.

 

Nona, hope your claim is on track and going well

[nona]

Hi Mrs R,

Hope you had a good holiday-i'm off tomorrow. I wouldn't worry about it being more than 14 days-you've just been generous enough to give Halifax a little Extra !! (time that is) Boom Boom:D

 

I issued my claim agains H on 07/08 and it was acknowledged next day. I'm just waiting to hear something now.

 

Fingers crossed for you and hubby's claim

 

Nona