First Direct DPA request too good to be true?

[billybig]

Hello All,

 

I have recently joined the forum and have found many extremely helpful topics whilst having a look around.

 

I have recently decided to approach my bank, First Direct to reclaim charges I have paid over the last few years. As I don't have all my statements I sent them the recommended DPA letter requesting all information held about my account advising that copies of statements would be acceptable, but also requesting they include details of any notes which have either caused or resulted in that manual intervention or other evidence of that manual intervention has taken place. I also asked that they confirm in writing if no manual intervention has taken place. I included with my letter a cheque for £10 to pay the DPA fees and sent it to them by recorded delivery.

 

Some five days later I received a letter from First Direct advising me that all the charges information I requested are contained within the statements and that they would arrange to send these to me. They also advised that information regarding manual intervention is included in my notes and they will provide copies of these.

 

The thing that surprised me was that they have returned my cheque advising that they are not going to charge me for my request.

 

Does this mean that if they don't charge me they can take longer than 40 days to respond to me? Why wouldn't they charge me when they are entitled to do so?

 

Sorry for such a long post!

[Michael Browne]

Does this mean that if they don't charge me they can take longer than 40 days to respond to me?

No the maximum charge is £10. It is their choice if they charge you less ie nothing. The 40 days still stand

[isidore]

I sent a DPA request to First Direct. They sent my cheque back and within a week, I had an extremely well packaged envelope sent SPECIAL DELIVERY. There was no confirmation on manual interventions but I can't remember if I requested (or if I would have had use for it if I had received it!!).

 

Of all the banks I have been dealing with, their handling of DPA requests has been second to none.

[billybig]

Hopefully then I will receive the request information soon then. I just found it odd that they didn't take the payment that they are entitled to.