Want a Refund on your Packaged Bank Account? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide.
Part 2. Following on from last week and our first blog about claiming back your packaged bank account fees, here is some info about what is next on the cards.
Okay, I have found out I had a Lloyds Platinum account, what’s next?
You’ve looked through your bank statements and you’ve discovered the you had a Lloyds Platinum Account (for example), now you need to find out who to contact. The banks like to keep their complaints and refunds to a minimum, so even finding the contact information for the complaints department can be tricky. Dig around online and you will find it eventually, failing that, give your bank a call. Though they might not be prepared to give you the info without a few questions.
Once you have a complaints address, the next job is to write out your complaint. This part is crucial for a maximum pay out. You need to make sure you detail every aspect of how you came to have this account. Here are some basic questions that you need to answer, and remember, the way you word it is crucial. If in doubt, give us a call:
- Why did you go into the bank that day?
- Did you request an overdraft/loan/credit card/mortgage?
- Did you feel pressured to have this account?
- We’re you offered a choice of accounts?
Get it Right
Getting the complaint right is vital if you want a successful refund and, more importantly, if you want the full amount back with interest. Chances are you will be able to claim for a full refund, but you might find that the bank come back and offer you only a partial redress. This means they would only offer you the difference between two different packaged bank accounts. For example, say you were a Lloyds Platinum customer and wanted to claim a full refund. Lloyd might only offer you a refund for the difference between the price of a Silver and Platinum account, claiming that you would have been better off as a Silver customer. It is essential that your claim is worded right so this doesn’t happen. As we mentioned before, once you have had a response from the bank that will be final answer, the financial ombudsman might be able to help, but this isn’t guaranteed. This is where it can be more effective to get a professional to handle your claim for you.
Next week we will have a look at what constitutes a good claim. If you want any help or advice on making a claim, why not give us a call: 0800 007 3777. Or, you can drop your details below and we will be in touch.