Gemini v Halifax

[gemini]

Hi All

 

Having spent the last week reading FAQ's and threads, I am sending DPA letter to Halifax tomorrow. Knowing that I am not on my own has given me the incentive to go for it.

 

My biggest worry is whether or not they will close my account as we are wanting to get a mortgage, and unfortunately our credit rating is not so good!

Could I be making things worse or will it not have any effect?

 

Gemini

:?

GE Money DPA sent 18.05.06 - recd 24.05.06

Sainsburys Credit Card DPA sent 18.05.06 - Acknowledgement recd 20.05.06

Capital One sent 18.05.06 - Acknowledgement recd 26.05.06

[jonni2bad]

They might retaliate by closing the account, although this is unlikely to happen if you accept one of their miserly offers, and much more likely if you have to proceed to court -yet still not a definate outcome.

 

Taking this action will not have any impact on your credit files, but to ensure you have a smooth cross-over should they close your bank account, start sarching for a new one now. Even with a poor history (like me, I'm afraid!) you will still be able to open a BASIC bank account.

 

All the big boys offer them, many people have reported that NatWest's Step Account is a good one, I personally like the HSBC, but you'll find one that suits your needs. They don't come with cheque books and often some don't have a debit card, whilst others offer a Solo or Electron.

 

You should get one sorted though...

 

Welcome to the Halifax Freedom Fighters

[gemini]

I have only just started to try and claim my charges bank with the Halifax as I must admit I have been worrie dabout them closing my account. However I made a start on the 24th October and sent them the request letter asking for them back. I am claiming back £1123.00 and I received an offer from them of £316.00 'as a gesture of goodwill'. The letter also contains a veiled threat that they reserve the right to close my account if I don't manage it correctly. Is this a standard letter?

 

Anyway, I have decided to carry on with this claim and have today done the Response to Settlement Offer letter, but how many days should I give them in which to respond?

[gemini]

Bump

[Didge]

Not as far in my fight as you are, so probably way more people more qualified to answer, but from what I've read from the threads sounds like you have an absolutely bog-standard response from the bank.

And I think (please someone correct me if I'm giving the wrong information) you give them 14 days to respond to that then send the Letter Before Action, or if they've had 14 days from your Prelim, send the LBA now and then in 14 days it's court action time.

 

Please don't take this as gospel, it's only what I've gleaned so I have my own calendar for whenever I receive my statements

 

Have a look at the FAQs to double-check

[gemini]

I thought that the LBA was the next one to send but I saw this response to settlement letter in one of the threads so assumed this was the next in line. Wouldn't it be quicker to send the LBA instead?

[Michael Browne]

Combine the two. Amend the 1st para of the LBA:

 

Thank you for your letter dated xx/xx/xx and your settlement offer of £XXX

 

I will accept the sum offered only as part settlement and on the clear understanding that I will pursue recovery of the remainder.

[gemini]

Thanks for this Michael, I can now get this letter on its way!

[gemini]

LBA sent today (with a few changes as suggested) by recorded delivery.

[gemini]

I have received another offer from the Halifax, this time for £699.00. The letter was postmarked Birmingham and from a Miss Claire McBride - Review Manager, Customer Relations. It gives a Birmingham telephone number to call if I am not happy with the offer or wish to discuss the matter further. Two questions - 1. Has anyone else dealt with Miss McBride and 2. Is it worth ringing her first to try and resolve this claim or is it best to go straight to MCOL.

 

Also, there is always the threat in all the letters of account closure. Does anyone know if this happens often?

[Didge]

Again, from what I've read on here the account closure threat is standard but have yet to see one actually closed. Anyway, even if they did, they would have to give you 28 days' notice so you could sort out another (If I'm allowed to open another account, anyone can).

And if you've ever had real, proper help from the Halifax when you needed it, then Hell, go for the extra phone call to Miss McBride. Personally, from what I've seen on this site and what they've done for me over the years (practically nothing), they're not going to give you back your money out of the goodness of their heart, so MCOL is the only option.