Excessive overdraft charges

[filthiestfis]

I have just found out that Natwest have charged me 38 pounds twice, for going over my overdraft limit, once to cover a direct debit, and the second time to cover a cheque, in the space of four days. Surely this is an excessive sum to charge for going over! Ive never encountered this before and I wasnt aware of such charge. Is there any place I can write to enquiring whether this practice is legal, to possibly be let off paying this?

[Ethel]

In the first instance telephone and complain. You will most likely get the costs either wiped completely or reduced.

If you are not satisfied, take the advice given here:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewn ews.cgi?newsid1141050760,24632,

[Ethel]

I forgot to say, please do not mention you are not aware of the charges.

You will have signed an agreement when you opened the account and taken out an overdraft that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions.

I can assure you these charges will have been mentioned - it is your responsibility to read the small print.

Claim it was an oversight in this instance.

[filthiestfis]

Thanks. I hope it works as I am on benefits so they should be a bit more lenient with me.

[JanineG]

why should being on benefits mean more leniency from bank charges?

Not trying to stir anything up, but I do think that some people on benefits, and I don't mean you particularly, do tend to feel that they are owed some sort of favour from everyone

[pagey]

filthistfis, you are not more likely, or more deserving of a refund of these charges than anyone else simply because you are on benefit. The charges are extortionate though. A lot of banks and credit cards have reduced these charges to �12 (fsa guideline - Not law) which is tolerable and fair. I suggest you close your account with natwest and go to a bank that charges less if you make this mistake again.
Ive paid over �4000 in bank charges as a student over the last 4 years and it sickens me to think, in times of my desperation, that this money has ended up in the bank's pocket.

[noxlumos]

hi, I found this site a while ago for an employee of mine who had been horrifically overcharged by his bank. They supply draft letters etc if you get into a row with the bank and he got his charges back eventually, so you might like to try them.
http://www.bankcharges.info/

[kwicky]

I suggest you change to Nationwide B.S. Not only do they let you overdraw but they don't send threatening letters. Banking is free!

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/default.htm