Yesterday saw the first hurdle jumped for bank charged customers waiting to get their money back.  The Office of Fair Trading’s test case against several of Britains largest banks and one building society has proven successful, although this doesn’t immediately mean that charged customers will get their money back.  Experts advise that the whole issue may not be settled until the end of the year but consumers remain optimistic.

Yesterdays victory goes so far as to decide that bank charges can be decided as fair or unfair by the OFT.  Considering the OFT are the ones that have taken the test case on, it’s expected that the OFT will decide that the charges are unfair.  The next step is, if possible, for the banks and the OFT to agree some form of action for those affected.  Consumers would hope that the banks agree to pay back all bank charges, although this seems unlikely.  If an agreement can’t be reached, the banks and OFT will go back to court and a ruling will decide on what should happen.  The meeting to decide on an agreement is expected to take place on 22 May 2008 so yet more waiting for those with claims pending. 

At this time the FSA have not lifted their hold on all claims for bank charges although those who have not claimed yet are advised to do so as soon as possible.  Claimants in England can try and claim charges for the last 6 years as, although the claim will be put on hold as soon as it is received, it will count up to six years back from the date of the letter.  Leaving it until the test case is finally settled may mean lost funds.

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