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??
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