Ranty bank thread.........

[Mrs D]

Well, looks like the banking powers that be have devised a new way of making themselves a few quid.............

A couple of weeks ago, I realised that the following day, I had a Direct Debit due out, and that there would not be enough money in my account to cover it. So, the next day, I paid £100 cash into my account and was advised by the bank teller that it was available immediately. Job done.....?

Well, the next day, I checked my online statement, and confirmed that I had not gone overdrawn.......but that they had made a charge of £25 callled a "Payment Review Fee"

Somewhat confused, I phoned the bank and queried this fee.

"Ah yes" said the lady on the phone "that is because there might not have been enough in the account to cover the direct debit"

"Erm......yes" I said, "but there was enough money. I went into the bank and paid in cash. And I didn't go overdrawn....so.........?!?!?!"

"But" she continued "you might not have done. And so we had to make a decision as to whether or not to pay the direct debit if you hadn't paid it in......and that is what the fee covers..............."

"So let me get this straight" I growled ".......you've charged me £25 because I "might have" gone over drawn?!?!"

"Yes" she said "we had to make a decision for you"

Needless to say, there was no manager to speak to - she took my details and agreed to get someone to get back to me. Of course, they didn't
A strongly worded letter requesting return of my £25 has been sent.

Am I missing something!?!!? Surely this is like your insurance company charging you your voluntary excess because you "might have an accident" - or the police giving you a ticket because you "might start speeding"

Go figure that one out, eh??

[GARY3306]

Was gonna use the 'gobsmacked' icon in my post but actually I'm not surprised, so i haven't. Just another example to add to the list of how were are being screwed to death in this money grabbing ****pit of a country

[T4M]

That's shocking btw, i would have asked how she would have felt if it was her!!

I was charged £25 for being 7p overdrawn once.........

[sshooie]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6170209.stm

All banks are *******s, read this and tell them you are going to go through the last 6 years accounts. A colleague of mine got 2k from his bank for over charging.

[Shazzle]

Unfortunately, banks account for all direct debits at the start of the banking business day, which means the funds have to be clear in your account by the time they go through (e.g. by close of business the day before). This is stated in the terms and conditions of their accounts....if you have the strength and will to live whilst reading through them!

However, if you pay cash in and then want to withdraw this or use it to make a payment, you may find it's not available until close of business when they account for most other things and balance all accounts.

Basically, they manipulate the system to their own benefit and have you by the short and curlies whichever way you look at it!

I only know this from numerous arguments with Natwest (my favourite bank...NOT!). They've charged us £28 for going overdrawn by £1.14 previously and then a further £40 unauthorised overdraft fee. How they can justify £68 in charges, I don't know. Needless to say, we're one of the millions of customers waiting to hear the outcome of the court case going through at the moment.

[Shazzle]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6170209.stm

All banks are *******s, read this and tell them you are going to go through the last 6 years accounts. A colleague of mine got 2k from his bank for over charging.

All claims like this are currently "on hold" pending the outcome of a court case. You can submit a claim, but it won't even be reviewed until the case is concluded. However, if the banks don't win, they will probably appeal it, so it could be another 12-18 months.

[glynn]

That's shocking btw, i would have asked how she would have felt if it was her!!

I was charged £25 for being 7p overdrawn once.........

i thought you had to be at least £5 over drawn before you are charged

[BigMan]

Isnt there a recent new ruling with the Banks that if you pay money in before 3pm on the day the Direct Debit has come out to bring your account back into the Black, then no charge will be made...

I know Loyds TSB do it, but i thought all banks had to do it too..

[GazVXLINE170]

I think you have been ripped off, you are only supposed to be charged £12 by the bank now - for administration costs - not £25.

Gazza4

[ccsnet]

My other half ended up paying in the region of £170ish for a £2 over drawn mistake after taking cash out of a machine on an account that does not have an over draft or any major transactions in or out.

I'd go in to it but needless to say I'd kill my self with depression by the end of typing.... if I got there.

That was the Yorkshire Bank btw.

Terran