Barclaycard statement has word 'penalties' on it

[sailor sam]

Anyone else noticed this??

[dx100uk]

yes

 

dx

[sailor sam]

I didn't think that they had the legal status to use such a term.

[slick132]

Hi SS,

 

Are you referring to recent BC statements ?

 

They can call the default charges whatever they wish. But the important fact is that they repay them when challenged.

 

[sailor sam]

Surely if they call a default charge a penalty then it is no recoverable thus making it invalid?

[slick132]

Hi SS,

 

They can call it whatever they want - Default Charge, Penalty Charge, Additional Charge, Admin Charge - it makes absolutely no difference.

 

If you are penalised for a transgression on a credit card, a bank loan or a catalogue a/c, you can and should reclaim the full amount of any such charge. It is a charge against you for breaching the terms of your agreement and does not necessarily reflect the true cost to them caused by your transgression.

 

I asked above, "Are you referring to recent BC statements ?"

 

[sailor sam]

I've only noticed the word 'penalties' on my latest one. I've already got a complaint lodged with the FSO about a PPI claim!

[slick132]

Hi again,

 

I've been over recent statements and can't find any mention of "penalties".

 

Is yours a BC Visa or a BC Mastercard and where does "penalties" appear please.

 

[sailor sam]

BC Visa. On page 3 It says "Please read this urgent information about penalties and charges on your account" then it tells me that I have been charged £12 for being over my limit.

[slick132]

Thanks SS.

 

That explains it - I didn't keep page #3 when I got hit with a charge recently.

 

Needless to say, they refunded it for me promptly, plus interest that they charged on the a/c.