brand new account - charge already

[austenpowers]

I recently changed to the alliance & leicester havin suffered many years of abuse from other banks. I am in the process of beginning action against my previous banks. It has been a long and drawn out process switching bank accounts and arranging for direct debits, standing orders etc to be changed, but it is all finally set up. Unfortunately, I recently paid in some cash to this account the same day as a cheque was coming out but a & l still decided to bounce it. Thinking that I was dealing with a reasonable institution, I thought if I made a phone call explaining how hard it had been keeping track of what direct debit was coming out of which bank, and what credits had gone into which account, the a & l would kindly refund this charge realising the honest mistake. But no, the lady on the phone said she would not refund, I said I wanted to take it further so it was passed onto some one else who has come back in writing and said the charge was correctly applied to my account.

 

I'm not having this, but it seems unnecessary to make a full claim for the sum of £34, would it be wise just to send a letter informing them I am aware these charges to be unlawful and to insist on a refund, before taking further action. Or should I just go straight in with the template requesting a full refund and threatening legal action?

 

Any guidance much appreciated.

[callumsgran]

i would do the first thing, write telling them you know these charges to be unlawful and respectfully ask them to be refunded. next time pay the cash in the day before its due out. you dont want them to close your account which they may threaten you with as its new and you are not conducting it properly. hope this helps?

[dave]

In which case, you could apply for an injunction to keep the account open.

[austenpowers]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will try the respectful request first and see where i go from there.