Malall v Natest

[malall]

I called into my branch yesterday, to request copies of all my statements since I opened my Advantage Gold account with Natwest. I was seen by one of te supervisors, who asked me why I wanted copies and I advised that it was because I intended on reclaiming the charges I had paid on my account. The supervisor proceeded to tell me that this was just a myth and that I would just be wasting the £5 it cost to get the copies (nice try!). I replied saying that this was not a myth, mentioned office of fair trading and that I know people who have already been successful (my uncle has just received 6 years worth of Halifax charges refunded). To this I simply received a dirty look and the response that I'd find out that I was wrong, and once again that I was just wasting £5! £5 well wasted in my book.

 

Next she asked me what date I wanted my statements to go back to. I asked for everything back to when I originally opened this account, and was very surprised when she informed me that they had no way of telling when I originally opened the account and I would have to tell them when this was! I know my account was opened around March/April '04, so I have asked for everything they have going back up to January '04, just to make sure. Finally after a lot of moaning & trying to put me off, she wrote out the request form, took my £5 and has advised that I will receive the copies within 7 days.

 

Due to losing my job and being out of work for a month, as well as having to move house a few months later, I was stung heavily by Natest for honoring my smaller direct debits and bouncing the larger ones, as there was not enough money in my account. I even called them at the time to advise them of my situation, but was told that there was nothing they could do to help! At the time I was forced to sell my motorbike (my pride & joy!!) for much less than it was worth, just to cover the hundreds of pounds in bank charges that I received in the space of 3 months, which at the time, I just saw as a neccessary evil!

 

Over the 3 years that I have been with Natwest, I must have paid thousands in charges, and can't wait to find out exactly how much. Mybe it'll pay for a new bike for the summer...

 

I'll keep you updated on how I get on.

[lee in wales]

hi malall, generally you send for your SAR(subject access request) to bishopsgate London, but if your branch will do it it saves a stamp:) .

The best thing to do now will be to read through the FAQs http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/faqs-please-read-these/

Just to get an idea of what happens next, and to read through other peoples threads,you may find other people have similar claims as yourself and you will find their threads very helpful as you go along

 

good luck and keep us posted

[ataction]

An interesting saga, however the bank, as you have learned are not really interested in the details. First step is to take you time and prepare an accurate analysis of your charges, then calulcate the interest. You will have to be patient and wait until you have all your statements, the process cannot be rushed.

Good luck.

[malall]

Reading a few other threads, Natwest seem to hold out as long as possible, but I'm quite prepared to play the long game & see it through.

[The cobbett slayer]

Reading a few other threads, NatWest seem to hold out as long as possible, but I'm quite prepared to play the long game & see it through.

 

If you haven't already done so, read this while your waiting http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/natwest-bank/17630-shiebers-natwest.html

 

Persistence is the key and you will do it.

 

Paul