A strategy to avoid repaying excessive bank charges

[Catriona]

One of the main banks facing High Court Action by the OFT due to excessive bank charges has come up with a very sly way of continuing to charge consumers large amounts for unauthorised overdrafts, bounced cheques or failed direct debits. Introducing the 'Personal Reserve' - a facility you can 'dip into' in case of emergency if you have to go overdrawn or beyond your overdraft limit. And the charge for the use of this reserve? £22. Bargain! Feels like the bank is there to lend a helping hand doesn't it? And this way they don't have to pay a penny of it back because it is no longer a bank charge but a bank fee - one that you have automatically agreed to if you haven't opted out. My advice - open the letter, read it carefully and opt out. Don't let banks get away with continuing to charge high fees in this way.

[Paul Carcone]

Of course, the most effective way of keeping yourself free of charges is to stay within your overdraft limits! I tend to find that if I contact my bank before I make any significant transactions that may have implications for my balance and overall cashflow, the bank tend to be pretty good with me.

I think communication is key.

That said, I completely agree with the post above...we should not allow ourselves to get stung by this stealth-charge!

Paul Carcone