Checking your Bank Charges are Correct

What to do if you think you have been overcharged

• Explain your concerns to your bank manager in writing as soon as you discover something may be wrong
• Ask for a written explanation of how the figure was calculated
• If you are dissatisfied with the reply, ask to speak to someone at the bank
• Don't be intimidated! Remember your bank will consider its own priorities before yours. Don't be afraid to challenge your bank manager if you believe there is a mistake.
• Ask your bank about its internal complaint procedures if you feel a formal complaint is necessary
• If there has been no error but you think charges are too high, you may wish to consider switching to an alternative service or moving to another bank
• If you suspect that errors have been made, but are unsure, the Independent Banking Advisory Service (IBAS) will investigate your accounts to establish whether a full audit is necessary. They do not charge for the initial investigation. Visit their website on www.ibas.co.uk
• To help you negotiate a refund of charges with your bank you may enlist the services of a specialist banking auditor, who will charge a fee plus a percentage of any amount recovered.