Please find below a template copy of the 14 day letter which you need to send out to your bank to claim your unfair charges. This letter is sent out after you have calculated what you believe the bank owes you in unfair charges + 8% interest. Please remember to send this letter with a copy of the charges (Summary sheet) being claimed for and make sure the letter goes by recorded delivery, keeping a copy of your correspondence is also essential.

At this stage I would advise anyone who is going to claim back charges from a bank to open a “parachute” bank account in the unlikely event they close you account after paying you your charges. (The worst scenario I have heard in Jersey so far is having their overdraft facility withdrawn upon payment.).

It is likely that the bank will reply with an offer of much less than you have requested – in this case write to them again saying thank you but no thank you and requesting again what you think you are owed. The template letter enclosed can be re-used for this.

If the bank refuse to answer or will not budge on their offer then it is time to summons them to the Petty Debts Court. This is not quite as scary as it sounds - firstly read the FAQ "Petty Debts Court"  and if you still need further help please  contact me at the office Tel 611161.

[INSERT NAME, ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER]

[INSERT DATE]

  [INSERT NAME AND ADDRESS OF BANK] 

 Dear Sir or Madam, 

Re. Account number: [INSERT ACCOUNT NUMBER] 

I am writing to request that you repay all the default charges that have been applied to my account.  I do not believe these charges reflect the true cost to [INSERT NAME OF BANK].

The charges total £[INSERT TOTAL CHARGE], plus as I believe I have been unlawfully deprived of the money I have calculated £[INSERT TOTAL OF INTEREST AT 8%] interest at the statutory rate, the amount the court will award.

I therefore ask that you repay me the full amount of [INSERT TOTAL OF CHARGES PLUS INTEREST].  I have attached a full schedule of the charges with this document. [INCLUDE THE PRINT OUT OF CHARGES AND BE SURE TO KEEP A COPY FOR YOURSELF]

I look forward for a full response to this letter within 14 days. Yours faithfully,

 [YOUR SIGNATURE]

 [YOUR NAME (PRINTED)]