Reclaiming Bank Charges - what are my chances?

[mebuck]

Hi,

 

Back in 2006 I successfully reclaimed a few thousand pounds in bank charges over several accounts from my student days. Although I probably haven't racked up anything like this since, I think I'd like to try and reclaim the odd few hundred which may have been taken between 2006 and now. I understand that at the backend of 2009 the banks won a supreme court case...

 

Having a look at this page - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/bank-charges , it would appear that it's still possible to reclaim bank charges through the usual letter / court route, however the argument for refund is more complex. It would also appear that it's more likely to get your money back if you apply through the FO, but these decisions are only made for people who are in or have received extreme hardship due to the charges. I don't think I have, I'm still afloat, have a job etc - I'd just really like the money back!

 

What's this forum's general feeling? Do you think I have a chance of claiming a few hundred back from the last 4 years? I know I'll have to take them to court to get this back... would you guys recommend it or do you think I'll fall flat on my face?

 

Has anyone received money back without using the Ombudsman recently?

[rebel11]

Hi mebuck,

 

I would send off a claim to the bank with the speadsheet, claiming all charges plus contractual interest. Then it is a case of sitting tight waiting for a break through from Govan Law Centre. http://govanlc.blogspot.com/2010/12/response-to-scottish-legal-aid-board.html

[mebuck]

Hi, thanks for the speedy response.

 

So basically don't bother with the ombudsman and proceed to request the transactions in the usual manner then:

 

-send prelim letter

-send lba

-take them to small claims

 

Also, is there any new template letters which have been updated since the supreme court judgement?

[rebel11]

I would hold fire on 'take them to small claims', you will not get very far. As I said sit tight. This isn't going to happen over night.

 

There aren't any new Templates as such, but you can use this Template, just amend it, they will reject it, but when things start moving again, you've got your claim as a reference point.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/content.php?553-Prelimary-Request-for-Payment.

 

Hi, thanks for the speedy response.

 

So basically don't bother with the ombudsman and proceed to request the transactions in the usual manner then:

 

-send prelim letter

-send lba

-take them to small claims

 

Also, is there any new template letters which have been updated since the supreme court judgement?

[mebuck]

OK, thanks for your response. Is anyone following the GLC? Could this be months or years?

[rebel11]

GLC are kind enough to post updates on this site, heres the thread that Mike from GLC posts on. Hang in there.

The banks aren't playing ball and are delaying the case, others are doing the same. But hopefully we will get there.

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?248268-Sheriff-puts-Bank-of-Scotland-to-proof-on-bank-charges&highlight=sheriff

 

OK, thanks for your response. Is anyone following the GLC? Could this be months or years?