Reply to: Unlawful bank charges

[Mailman]

I believe the banks have only won one case so far that got to the small claims court...sorta reminds you of IR35 doesnt it

Mailman

[Captain Jack]

Last month I just went past my overdraft limit for 4 days by £150 max (forgot to pay in cheque). I got stuffed for £250. IMHO that is unreasonable. Especially as I have two accounts, a mortgage and home insurance with the same people. I have written to them pointing this fact out. If it gets me half of my cash back, it's worth it.

You're entitled to all of your cash back. £250 in charges for going overdrawn by £150 for 4 days is clearly a punitive charge bearing no relationship to the costs incurred by the bank and as such is unlawful. Point this out to them and if that fails issue proceedings in the small claims court who (in the unlikely event it actually gets to a hearing) will agree with you.

[NetwkSupport]

Well done mailman

I have so far collected £980 from HSBC and intend to persue the Halifax for £1325..!!!

[Mailman]

I agree. But it is not beside the point. I asked the question, and everyone is now abusing me because they assumed (wrongly) that I though charges were OK. I said no such thing.

My god, you mean we are argueing because you agree with me?

Got some good news on the weekend, the bank has refunded £380 in charges to my account.

A pretty good score considering I was only after £205, which they paid back a couple weeks ago. Reminds me of Monopoly really, bank error collect £50


Mailman

[NetwkSupport]

"I simply commented that ISTM the only people who pay bank fees are: (a) those who spend more than they earn, or (b) those who are so disorganised they can't make sure to have enough money in their bank account wehn a bill arrives."

Apologies Tim but when you posted a comment as above it got me wound up because you pigeon holed everyone who has bank charges into two categories, yes I agree with you on the above, however there are a percentage who fall into the "debt spiral" and the banks penalise these individuals rather than cut them a break, if they cut them a break they might stand a better chance of not getting into debt in the first place....but then thinking about it they would be a less "profitable" account holder for the bank....and thats a whole other subject!!

[tim123]

That is besides the point Tim. Whether you are a contractor, permy or unemployed doesnt make bank charges any less unlawful.

Mailman

I agree. But it is not beside the point. I asked the question, and everyone is now abusing me because they assumed (wrongly) that I though charges were OK. I said no such thing.

[Lockhouse]

Overdrawn

Last month I just went past my overdraft limit for 4 days by £150 max (forgot to pay in cheque). I got stuffed for £250. IMHO that is unreasonable. Especially as I have two accounts, a mortgage and home insurance with the same people. I have written to them pointing this fact out. If it gets me half of my cash back, it's worth it.

[Captain Jack]

That is besides the point Tim. Whether you are a contractor, permy or unemployed doesnt make bank charges any less unlawful.

Mailman

...bank charges that are punitive in nature and bear no relationship to the costs incurred due to the breach of contract any less unlawful

Captain Jack in "pedant" mode.

[Mailman]

That is besides the point Tim. Whether you are a contractor, permy or unemployed doesnt make bank charges any less unlawful.

Mailman

[tim123]

Sorry Tim but i think your being a bit of a dick.
The point is it is against the law for the banks to charge these fees as they are way over and above what it costs them.

I am fully aware of the issue, but you will note that I have so far made no comment whatsoever about my view on it. What I did was ask a completely different (but related) question which AIUI is perfectly allowed on bulletin boards.

As you have resourted to name calling I should like to inform you, and everyone else that I fully agree with the campaign against default Bank Charges and I'm sure that I have said so elsewhere.

But I will repeat my point.

WTF is a Freelance Contractor doing getting himself in a position of an interested (rather than a disinterested) party in this debate?

tim

[Pondlife]

Anyway, everything the banks do is an obstickal so you cant get money out of them that they took unlawfully.

Mailman

[Mailman]

Rubbish. The discussion is about whatever someone asks.

Rubbish, the discussion is about what ever thread hijackers decide the discussion is about...aye fleety

Mailman

[Mailman]

Sorry Tim but i think your being a bit of a dick.

No, Tim is reverting to type. He is the perfect contractor (would never complain if an agency decided not to pay him...after all, he probably would think he deserved it) and he is obviously the perfect customer (would never complain about being overcharged for something).

Anyway, everything the banks do is an obstickal so you cant get money out of them that they took unlawfully.

Mailman

[NetwkSupport]

Sorry

Sorry Tim but i think your being a bit of a dick.
The point is it is against the law for the banks to charge these fees as they are way over and above what it costs them.

They are no better than street loan sharks who would probably "Rough up" or "break some bones" of the poor individual suffering from money problems. I know your obviously loaded and dont have money problems but count yourself lucky because some people are a lot worse off you in this country. I myself used to struggle before I started contracting so I know how these people feel.

Bear in mind that it is mostly people struggling to make ends meet that are most affected by this problem, as one charge leads to another and snowballs and before the person knows it they are struggling to make ends meet month to month because any spare cash they had (that would usually help feed the kids) is being TAKEN from their account by a bank that KNOWS it is in the wrong and operating outside of UK LAW but carrys on regardless.

I had more to say but could not be bothered to say it.....

[hyperD]

obstacles ( )
Your best yet,Mailman.
PMSL

That goes beyond just crap spelling...!! Nice one!!