Honestly! I actually called and mentioned this point in a rather heated discussion. To which the customer service advisor (the worst I have ever come across) patronised me and my money management skills. I told her that if banks didn't like it then they ought to be put a stop on card payments going through - which they seem to be able to do at any other time.

THANKS! I will get these printed off and completed tomorrow.

I have been, that's how i found it takes 40 days

I am so sick with this 40 days gumpf the banks are claiming it takes to print a few pages of paper. As a colleague of mine so astutely pointed out - it does not take 40 days to print a few sheets of paper....printing paper has never stopped banks letting you know that you have charges in the past! The 40 days has also not stopped Halifax (and Lloyds) taking my £10 cheque. I know they are fighting back by stonewalling and claiming interest of my £10 whilst they continue to charge me everytime I just about seem to make it out of the red they haul me back into charges limbo. I wanted to know what people have been doing to get around the 40 days hurdle.... thanks in advance!