Banking Anger!�$%*&(^%

[ellarella]

I have been with HSBC for such a long time and decided that there were grounds to be loyal and thought that I would start up my student account with them. What subsequently happened is that they took away my �200 overdraft that I was already in, with some internet payments still to be debited. I am to understand that they did this as protocol, when turning accounts to pre-student accounts - however I was not adequately notified. I am now being charged �25 and as a result of my loyalty they will not now give me an overdraft as my credit check is not good enough. I tried to complain but the manager wouldn't see me but subcontracted the handing of a leaflet to me saying 'call or write and if your complaint is not dealt with within 8 weeks you are within your rights to go to the financial ombudsman...' There is no point in changing banks as they are all draconian soul guzzling dementors AND the complaining seems unworthwhile (when I have tried I have been told that I need to write to x, who says to write to y etc..)

Where do I stand? Do I just have to get over it? Is watchdog worth a go?

[Sammy Snake]

I don;t stand anywhere really, it may be morally wrong but Banks are well within their rights to withdraw credit facilities at any time and this will be written into their terms and conditions.

[Sammy Snake]

Oops...you don't stand anywhere, not I!

[Postdog]

Loyalty counts for zilch. I was (still am technically because I am still waiting for them to close the account) with the Halifax for twenty years. It wasn't always in credit, but always managed well, and I had an agreed overdraft.

Someone there decided I was no longer entitled to the overdraft (some rubbish about the account not being used enough to warrant one (it wasn't my main account)) and took it away without telling me. Actually they did tell me, but by an email at a time I had no computer, so I didn't know.

End result, they charged me for unauthorised overdraft, wouldn't accept they were in the wrong, leaving me no alternative to end the account. That was a year ago, and I am still awaiting the return of the fees and the closure of the account and the money in there. Letter after letter they have had too, and have thew cheek to say they can't refund money because of this OFT lark, despite me saying that doesn't apply here.

[ellarella]

Thank you very much - Can I request the fees back? I would rather not take this to a small claims court. It is one charge of �25 - it may not be worth it, but word on the street is that the administration of fee reclaims costs the banks more than the claims themselves. But then again, C'est la vie, I'm not going to martyr my free time for a mere 25...!

You've both been very helpful!

[amonty1144]

I phoned the Halifax the other day about 2 bank charges, they refunded them without quibbling. Give the helpline a ring and you might get lucky.