Okay here goes this is my first post, just thought I'd let everyone know my story!
So, I totted up from online statements that the bank owed me £465 in charges over 5 years, and then sent of the prelimenary letter. I added the fact that I was claiming interest which I was entitled to (to make myslef look generous!) This was sent on the 13th April.
Too my surprise and much quicker than I have been reading about, I received a response on the 26th April, less than the 14day deadline I had given them and with no chase up phone calls.
This is there response
"Thank you for your letter dated 13th April 2006 requesting a full refund of all your bank charges of $465 going back over the last 5 years.
In circumstances where you have autorised a payment that would, if met by us, lead to your account going overdrawn or over an agreed overdraft limit, we have to consider whether to make this payment. A fee is payable for this service provided by the bank, details of which are clearly set out in our published price list. The circumstances in which the fee will apply are clearly set out in our personal banking terms and conditions which you where provided with a copy of when tou opened your account. If your claim for a reund proceeded to court, we therefore beleive we would successfully resist any legal challenge in relation to these fees.
HSBC is, however mindful of the management time and irrecoverable costs that it may incur in relation to such a claim. For those commercial reasons alone, and without any admission of liability whatsoever, HSBC is prepared to make a payment to you in the sum of £275 representing the charges applied in full and final settlement of this matter.
If you accept this proposal please sign and return the enclosed copy of this letterand we will arrange for a refund to be made to you.
I trust taht this matter has now been addressed to your satisfaction. If you are not satisfied with the bank's response you have the right to refer the complaint to the financial ombudsman service. Further details about the ombudsman scheme are set out in the enclosed leaflet and you have six months from teh date, within which to refer your complaint to them should you decide to do so."
So there goes they've offered me half, the thing is just before I received this letter, I get a message advising that I'm just about to be charged £50. When I check again today this is now £25.
I'm thinking of writing a counter letter, accepting the £275, but advising that I will still be requesting the rest of the amount including the new £25, using court action if neccessary.
What do you guy's think?
Is there any cases that have gone to court that I can quote?
Cheers for the advice guys
James
