Agreed. What stage are you at? If you have already filed your claim at Court, you don't need to respond to the letter, just let the Court process run its course. if you haven't yet filed, write a letter back saying that you are willing to accept the sum as a Partial refund but that you intend to pursue the full amount through the Court. have you already sent off your LBA? If so, once the 14 day deadline has expired, file your claim at Court. Lots of us (if not all) have had these offers..it's standard. Good luck

OK, so you need to get all of your statements. So your first step is to send the S.A.R letter, the template for which is in the Library. You have to send a payment of £10 with the letter, but you can claim it back. They have 40 days to supply you with all your statements, but Abbey are very good at stalling the process - but at least you will have started the process and there's advice on this site on how to deal with their tactics. While you are waiting for your statements - keep reading!! It all seems very daunting at first, but take it step by step, read other people's threads to see how they have dealt with issues. You will find that the same problems come up over and over again so post a question if you need help, someone will get back to you. Good luck

Hi Kevin The first thing you should do is read the FAQs. There is loads of sound advice there and a step by step guide. Follow that and you really can't go wrong!! After that, your first step will depend on whether or not you have all your statements for the last 6 years? Welcome aboard!

There seems to be mixed opinion about this. I was in a similar situation, with charges over 5k. In the end I started from the date I was first charged and continued to calculate charges up to just under 5k. i have now filed for this amount and once it is settled I will start a second charge for the rest of the charges. However I've also noticed that some people have claimed for charges by category..i.e claim first for all your bounced DDs, then (once settled) a second claim for cleared transactions etc. I'm not sure which is recommended - anyone else?

Yes once acknowledged they have 28 days from when the claim is served. however they often pay up very quickly once they have acknowledged. Wednesdays seem to be their prefered pay back day - and they often pay the money into account before even sending out the settlement letter. So keep an eye on your account and good luck!

Another bump for you! I can't offer specific advice I'm afraid, maybe pm a Mod? Have you read Delorean's thread - your situations sound similar.

Yes, that's what I did. The LBA states that yourCourt claim will include interest on the charges. When you claim online/at court, you can claim the interest up to the date you file the claim, and then at a daily rate until Abbey settle.

Don't add the interest until you file the claim at Court. i.e. when you print off the schedule of charges, leave out the interest column. The interest will continue to increase, and you can specify the amount in your claim.

Thank goodness! I read your posts this morning and really felt for your situation. Got 4 kids myself and I know the nightmare that you are going through. Keep strong. I'm still waiting for my refund from Abbey, but have been successful with Halifax - it's a great feeling, and I know how good you'll feel when Abbey pay up.

This may help if you haven't already seen it.... Need a parachute account?

I did read somewhere that the STEP account was becoming Natwest's most 'popular' account. Maybe they've realised why and have started running credit checks. All I can say is although I've had the standard "we may close your account" letter, they haven't done so yet, and I'm now nearing the final stages of my claim. Fingers crossed.

Hi I had a similar experience with Natwest. When I applied over the telephone for a NAtwest STEP account, the guy told me that I could have a current account if I wanted one. I was very surprised to hear this, as my credit rating is shot to bits. So when the paperwork came through I sent it off - only to be rejected after the credit check. I don't think it has anything to do with your action against Abbey. However I did, in the end manage to open a step account, with this one they don't run a check, you get online banking, a debit card and all the basic banking facilities. You can apply online. Also you could try Nationwide or Co-op, other people have opened basic aoounts with these banks Good luck.

Hi You can continue to add charges to your claim until you actually file the claim at Court. From reading other threads I've noticed that some people have asked for any further charges incurred after the claim was filed to be included in a settlement - it's worth asking anyway when the time comes. Otherwise, you can always start a new claim!

You're at the same stage as me (and quite a few others) so have a read through a few threads. Send your schedule of charges to the solicitor, even if you have already sent it with your previous letters, they always ask for it again. As for the allocation questionaire, look in the library, there are comprehensive guidance notes posted there. Good luck

No reply from Mr Denham - but...won the office Big Brother sweepstake (thanks Pete)

I vote Natwest too. I guess it's a personal thing - I like the people in my local branch and never had the kind of problems I've since had with Abbey. I had a current account with them which was closed when I got divorced. I wish I'd stayed with them instead of Abbey. But now got a parachute Step account with them.

The AQ form I have been sent is N150. Is this right? Anyone else claiming for a similar amount (C. £5k = interest) had same form, or have you all had N149?

Email sent to DLA ******************************************************************************************** Without Prejudice Dear Mr Denham Thank you for your letter dated 15 August 2006. I have received my allocation questionnaire from Canterbury County Court and will be completing and returning it to them by 03/09/2006. You will be aware that the cost of submitting this form will be added to my claim. In response to your offer to settle for 50% of the claim amount, I am regretfully declining this invitation. To accept would undermine the basis of my claim. I would, however, like to make a counter offer which I hope you will find acceptable. My claim is for the refund of £4915.00 in charges, alongside interest which at today’s date stands at £890.53, and Court fees of £250.00. However, in an effort to end this matter, I would be willing to waive the Court fee of £250.00. In conclusion I would be willing to accept: Total cost of charges: - £4915.00 Interest Payable to 18/08/2006 - £890.53 TOTAL: £5805.53 I hope that you will regard this as a genuine attempt to reach an amicable settlement, and I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely ******************************************************************************************

AQs arrived from the Court today, to be returned by 3 Sept. another step closer, I guess.

Yippee!! You won! You won ! (etc...) Really chuffed for you!! Congratulations and well done XX

Congratulations!!! :D

Hi there. Yes you can claim for all those cleared transactions...I have several in my claim!! There's lots of help and sound advice on this site. Read through a few threads and the fAQS. It sounds daunting, but take it one step at a time ... you'll be fine.

If you haven't yet filed your claim at Court, write a letter stating that you are preapred to accept the sum as part repayment but that you will be pursuing the rest through the Court. Then as soon as your LBA deadline runs out...get the court claim in! Good luck

I hope so, who knows - a letter might be waiting at home for me.... Did Cap One enter a defence before settling your claim?

Definite stalling tactics - most of us here (if not all!) have had the same letter - it's a standard fob off. Stick to your timetable. If the 14 days are up, send off your Letter before Action. Good luck - keep us posted.