Stevegrray1978 v MBNA - **WON**

[Stevegrray1978]

I was directed to this site a couple of days ago ater geting my e-mail newsletter from moneysavingexpert.com. I had an account with MBNA as a student, which I opened in 1999 (they kept sending me letters, I was skint, so eventually signed the form and got a credit card).

 

They gave me a £1500 limit(!) even though my only income was my grant and student loan (about £4000 combined).

 

Anyway, I have all my statements and have totted up what they charged me after it all went wrong...! I think it was inevitable it would go wrong...?!?! I'm using your letter and asking for £912 back.

 

Thankyou for all the free advice. I hope I'm using it right and if anybody thinks otherwise, plese let me know!

 

5% is owed if I get me money back. Do I have to sign for that?!!

[barracad]

Good luck! Keep us posted.

[Stevegrray1978]

Thanks for your reply! Would like to get some money back off MBNA. They (with my help) buggered up me credit score and it's costing me loads more now on the APR on me mortgage (could only get one with GE...)

[Stevegrray1978]

Just an update on this claim; and a bit of advice, please...

 

'I' have had a reply from MBNA, saying they have recived my 'complaint' (it wasn't a 'complaint': it was the prelim letter claim) and they would investigate and get back to me in 28 days. Their advice was to call Gareth Tunnicliffe on 01244 672628.

 

Having read the forum, this sounds like a pretty standard responce from MBNA, however, they sent the letter to my Mum and Dad's house (where the account was registered from originally...!) My old man called me tonight telling me I had a letter fom MBNA (he knows the grief they used to give me) and I asked him to read it and he told me the contents of the letter...

 

I think MBNA taking the p*** and tring to confuse things by deliberatly sending mail to an old account address? I clearly gave them my new contact details in the prelim letter.

 

I intend to continue with my claim timetable: LBA on Friday next week, but will the address mix up hinder matters? If so, please could anybody suggest what I should do (if anything)??!!

 

Thanks in advance, Steve.

[Michael Browne]

Yep, usual stalling tactics. Continue with your timetable, not theirs and emphasise in the LBA your new address. It won't really make any difference if they reply to your parents since you'll still receive it.

[Stevegrray1978]

Thank you!

[Stevegrray1978]

Just to let you know, MBNA have settled in full (and a bit more)! Just have to write to them accepting the offer and droping the claim. Can't quite belive it!! Thankyou for all the advice which people have posted on this site to enable me to get this money back: you're all brilliant!

Fifty quid donation on its way when the cheque arrives. I'm off to book me summer hols now...

[barracad]

Congratulations!!

 

That is great news - please complete our bank charges survey.

[Stevegrray1978]

Does this sound like an ok reply? Again, thanks in advance: I am so happy at mo!!

 

RE: Final Settlement Offer a/c no. XXXXXX

Dear Sir

Having spoken to your office today, I am writing to accept your offer of £XXXX in full and final settlement of my claim against MBNA EBL for charges levied on my account.

In accepting this offer, which your office made to me today, I undertake not to pursue MBNA EBL to a court claim once the funds have been returned to me.

Yours truly

[joload]

CONGRATULATIONS - how dod they offer you full refund - I too got the standard 28 day letter you received - then I sent the LBA earlier this week.

 

Did they phone you after you sent the LBA or write to you withthe offer.

 

Yes I think the letter above sounds fine in accepting their offer.

[Stevegrray1978]

Hi joload,

 

I sent the LBA, then about a week in I gave the customer advocates office a ring (just on the off chance I could get it sorted before money claim). Spoke to a bloke there, he said they didn't want to go go court, i agreed. They had all the info they needed and would I be prepared to sort it out over the phone? I said yes, and half an hour later they called me back making a full offer plus some (don't know where the extra bit came from but I accepted.!)

Just had to write a letter saying I would drop the claim.

Maybe worth giving them a call? Worked for me when the Money Claim deadline was looming for them...

Good luck: let us know how you get on.

Steve.

[joload]

Is that the number onthe back of the statements - will give that a try next week if i don't hear anything - thanks.

[Stevegrray1978]

No, don't call the call centre!! They know nothing and will be mega unhelpful. Call the Customer Advocates office and ask to speak to Gareth Tunnicliff on 01244 672628.

[thecornflake]

Do you think it's worth speaking to this guy about a few recent charges (about £200 worth) - I intedn to pursue the whole amount later, but they reduced my limit down to £300 after I paid a massive amount off (the balance was at £300) and then the interest took it over its limit, followed by a late charge........

 

I'd like to get the overlimit amount cleared asap and worry about the rest of the charges after.

[Stevegrray1978]

From my point of view he was a very reasonable guy (the customer advocates office generally seem to be more accomadating than other parts of MBNA). As your account is still active I guess it would be easier to get the information they need to look into your case (I had to wait until they could get the information on my account as it was closed and went back to 1999).

I would say it's worth having a go - nothing to loose as you'll be claiming anyway...

Have to say, I think It's shocking they way they operated your account: reducing the limit then taking you back over it with interest charges! Really underhand behaviour; I'd point that out if you do decide to call them.

Good luck. Let us know how you get on with them.

Steve