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Claiming back unfair bank charges
The court process is nearing completion. If you have been charged "unfair" bank charges for going into an unauthorised overdraft, then now is the time to put in your claim.
Background
For several years now, bank customers have been trying to challenge banks who charge £30-£40 per transaction after going into an unauthorised overdraft. Customers argued that the charges were unfair because the actual cost to the bank of administering an unauthorised overdraft is about £2 a transaction.
The Office Fair Trading (OFT) decided to take a test case against the banks to court to try to resolve the issue. The court ruled against the banks, but the banks subsequently appealed. On 26 Feb 09, the banks lost their appeal. They could still try to appeal to the House of Lords, but the court ruling is an indication that the OFT will win out in the end. If the OFT does win, then they will rule on what they think is a "fair" charge.
Making a claim
If you think you have been unfairly charged by these fees, then you will have to wait until the end of the legal process and the OFT's ruling on what they think is "fair" before you will get any money back. But, the advice is to get your claim in anyway in preparation for the ruling.
Money Saving Expert.com has a comprehensive guide on what to do and template letters to follow. Click here.
Further advice and information:
How to complain about your bank or building society
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Posted by Plebble Admin at 12:51 on 26-Feb-2009