Informal overdraft arrangement fees

[jamdodger]

Hi,

 

I have looked through the forums, and found them very helpful. Although...

 

I was hoping to get some clear advise on the first steps of reclaiming bank charges.

 

I have been with HSBC for around 2 years, and sorry to say have exceeded my overdraft quite a few times (of which a £25 fee is charged for every transaction). I have only just found that there is a way I can reclaim this - after researching having found a "charges are due to be applied to this account" - which is £153 (inc. interest) from the period July - Sep.

 

With the pending test case - am I likely to be able to claim any of it back?? Or at least scare the bank into stopping this charge which is due on the 23rd Sep.?

 

I look forward to receiving your comments!

[johnnymitch]

Hi jamdodger , welcome to the forum

 

Right, then - what you need to be aiming for, if there is a considerable amout of these charges - is to get a claim up and running - and eventually to the 'stayed in court' stage .......

 

However , first things first , you asked for guidance on procedure :

 

Links for new starters

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/faqs-please-read-these/

Templates library

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bank-templates-library/

 

I think this should help get you started..... , first off, get your SAR sent off (recorded delivery ) as soon as you can , that'll give you up to 40 days to work out the next steps ......

Basically the plan layout is :

1. Work out how much they owe you in unlawful charges

 

If you want to go back 6 years send a Subject Access Request -

 

http://www.consumerforums.com/resour...access-request

 

This gives them 40 days to cough up everything they have on you , which will give you a good chance to read up on further action ........

 

2. Send a Preliminary Letter asking for it back(they'll try to put you off )

 

http://www.consumerforums.com/resour...-for-repayment

 

3. Send a Letter Before Action (which they'll either ignore or try to waffle you out of it )

 

http://www.consumerforums.com/resour...n-bank-charges

 

4. Lodge your claim with the Local Small Claims Court ......

 

Come back at any stage and we can guide you further - someone will always answer and we're a friendly lot on here .....

[jamdodger]

Hi Johnnymitch,

 

Thanks a lot for your reply!

 

However, unfortunately the 'resourse' links you have provided don't seem to work?

 

Also, in regards to sending a SAR - seeing as I have only been with them for 2 years, and believe I can see all charges that have been made through my internet banking statements - is it necessary to send one? Or should I just continue with sending the preliminary letter?

 

Finally, do you know of any way I can stop the iminent £150 due on the 23rd? - Or do you think they would even be willing to either move the charge 2 days (until payday)... or even spread the cost over 2 months? Or would I be wasting my time asking such things?

 

I greatly appreciate your time in replying.

 

Josh

[johnnymitch]

Sorry about those access links Josh , I can't understand why they're suddenly not working ...... however , you'll find them all on the Templates Library link which I gave you ..... which seems to be working at this end .....

 

However , if you've got all the info you need without sending a SAR , then skip that stage and go straight to the Prelim Letter ....

 

I don't hold out much hope of you being able to stop that charge hitting your account ....... however , local bank managers do have leeway to head these off ,( if they've a mind to:rolleyes: ) and , if you don't ask , you don't get ...... so it may be worth a try - I think it's better face-to-face though .... they hide behind anonymity on the phone .......

 

Let's know how you get on ....

[johnnymitch]

Just thought , one of these spreadsheets might help you to work out what they owe you ...... send them a copy , without the 8% Interest column at this stage (it's not applicable until you get your claim to court .... but at least it works out the interest for you day - by- day ...... so you don't have to ...

 

Bank Accounts

England - Simple - Excel

England - Simple - Works

England - Simple - OpenOffice

England - Advanced - Excel

England - Advanced - Works

Or – for the brave – Interest on Interest ...... by bankfodder

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general/201984-why-let-your-bank.html

 

Explanation of Advanced spreadsheet calculations(courtesy of pete castlebest

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/hsbc-bank/180009-about-sar-hsbc.html#post1996894

Edited September 2, 2009 by johnnymitch
Tidying font marks .....