In U.K got letter saying I have a bank charge to be paid by certain date, thought they were illegal now?

Question

shall I pay and contest it later or not pay it? If I don't pay it will they try and tack on another charge?

Answer 1

I would guess that the bank are just informing you that they will take the charge from your account on a certain date. They don't normally ask for payment to be made, they just take it.

As the test case is still going through its long legal process, if you try to reclaim bank charges your case will be put on hold.

You don't specifiy what the charge is for, but regular account fees or overdraft interest charges are enforceable contractual terms and so are not reclaimable. However, charges for payments made or refused while overdrawn may be unenforceable and you may be able to reclaim in the future.

Alternatively, if it is just a one-off ask that it be cancelled and the bank may do so or reduce it to keep your custom.

Answer 2

Depending on what type of account and which bank you do your banking at, they are allowed to charge for over draft fees.  The court case you are thinking of is because some banks were/are charging upwards of over £35 for each over draft when it has been proven that the actual charges are less then £13 each.  

Because you agreed to that account, they will charge the fee specified.  You might want to look into different types of accounts and interest rates, or do as my daughter has done and open a separate savings account so if there is ever a over draft it automatically deducts it from her savings and she does not have the fee.

Our bank settled with us before the court case started.  They were charging £35 for each over draft.  I think that is horrible.  

I prefer the American way of banking, if there is a overdraft fee, they take it that day, not 28 days later when I have forgotten it and do not account for it being in my account so I am overdrafted yet again.  It is like tumbling domino's when that happens.  

Answer 3

no they are not illegal....if you go overdrawn then expect to pay the charges

Answer 4

hi, unfortunately they are legal, but there is a court case going on, you should ring head office, as they will wave one charge a year for you, so give them a ring, also they have to give us 22 days notice, which they often dont.

Answer 5

Bank charges are perfectly legal and you should certainly pay. If you don't there will be further charges to pay.

I think you are confused by a court case that some people are taking about some charges being too high, that is a completely different issue.

Answer 6

Bank charges are not illegal and you should pay it.

Answer 7

it depends how much they are charging.. they will just take it from your account anyway.... if there is no money in the account then write to them saying that the fee is too high ect....  i think they can charge something it not clear yet

Answer 8

Bank charges are not illegal, it was the high bank charges that were contested. If you're being charged more than 12GBP, then you may have a case to have the difference refunded, otherwise, you're responsible for paying the charge. At the end of the day, it's your responsibility to manage your finances better - not the bank.

Answer 9

Bank charges are not illegal in the UK.   If you don't pay they only write again and charge you more and they will take it directly from your account anyway.   Best way is to speak with them, tell them you are unhappy with the charge and try and negotiate a reduction.  Ultimately if your still unhappy let them know you will take your account somewhere else and see what they say.

Answer 10

Unfortunately, charges are still in place. Call your bank and talk about it. I don't know what are your circumstances are but it worth to check with every single charge before paying it

Answer 11

Don`t go overdrawn, or they will hammer you.   Everyone knows that now.