bank charges

[plymouthlad]

what is a 'reasonable amount' for a bank to charge before they're taking the p155? my bank charge �12 a pop, same goes for my credit cards if i go over my limit or miss a payment. granted its alot cheaper than the previous �25 as it used to be. but i can not see where it costs �12 to send a computer automated letter.

[Ethel]

�12 seems to be the accepted standard now - many institutions have lowered their charges to �12.

You've had more than a computer generated letter - you have had money that isn't yours and you are not entitled to, breaking the terms and conditions of your contract.

It is easy to avoid paying these charges - set up direct debits to pay the minimum each month so you can't miss a payment, and keep an eye on your balance so you don't go over your limit

You could try claiming them back.

[del8oy]

I and many others know exactly how you feel-many people working in banking assess that the actual cost should be a maximum of �5 but could be as low as �1.When the OFT ruled on credit card charges they said that they would investigate any card providers if they charged more than �12.After the OFT took 5 major banks to court to decide whether or not charges on current accounts were unfair,many banks took the �12 figure and applied this amount in the hope that customers would find this more acceptable-it does not however make them LAWFUL.At the moment it is very difficult to recoup money in the courts for current accounts as the test case is ongoing and all claims are stayed, but I believe that credit card charges can still be recouped.All of the info that you need (for free)along with letters and online advice via a forum is available at the penaltycharges website(just google).Ethel makes the point that you could set up direct debits BUT I have found that the banks sometimes pay themselves LATE and then award themselves a charge! Hope that you can sort this out.YES you are being ripped off!