Thats right they did pay up, although as I said that was another bank not HSBC. That said other companies have good service. For example whenever I take items back to a store I always ask for petrol money. Ikea is one company that always pays. (Although the money is then spent in the cafe!)
About 2 weeks ago the Tonight program on ITV was about bank charges. Following the program I requested £30 back from First Direct via their email service for a fee charged in 2004. It was paid back within 48 hrs.
However when I sent the same email to HSBC for other charges they fobbed us off. So I looked on the web and found this website.
Ironic, if they had paid up then the matter would have been closed. No more said. Now of course I have told my friends and they will now be seeking repayment of their bank charges and I have sent my first formal claim letter.
What amazes me is the fact that they know we are on this site, and they know we are all going to follow our claims through to settlement. By not holding their hands up, apologising and refunding the money within 24 hours they are giving more momentum to the campaign which will lead to more people claiming their charges back.
If everyone claimed for their time based upon the banks own charges, I am confident that the banks would lower their charges to something more reasonable. (ie a few pence)
Good luck in claiming for your time.