I have spoken to the branch manager today and explained to him my circumstances and disappointingly I was informed that he has no discretion to return me the money. He said unless it is a case of hospitalisation and bereavement, his hands are tied. He told me to write in and he will forward my letter to the relevant department. My position is that I'm leaving this country in 3 weeks time and will not be back until sometime in October. Then again, my stay in October is only for no more than 3 weeks. What should I do? Should I proceed to write the letter or is there another channel where I could air my grievance more speedily?

Hi there, I am an international student banking with Natwest. Today Natwest charged me £38 for not having sufficient money in the account for a direct debit transaction which takes place on 22nd of every month. I was told by the bank that the University tried to withdraw money from the account at 1.30pm and I only manage to transfer money (internal transfer, which I assume to be immediate) at around 4ish. Do you think I could claim a refund for that sum?