Live in the UK, Hate Bank charges, step inside!
 

If you live and bank in the UK - you need to know this! It turns out that UK Banks fees may be illegal, these include bounced checks, returned direct debits, going over your limit etc.

The basics of it seems to be that unfair contracts law prevents companies from charging more in penalties than what the "event" actually costs them.

Banks arnt willing to disclose what these events truly cost, but estimates are a maximum of £4.50 for a returned direct debit - something banks charge £30 and up for.

Lots of people have claimed, and got all or some of their money back. No bank as of yet has allowed the case to go to court as if they loose, which they may well do, it would open the flood gates on claims (it would probably make national news)

Im wondering if that could include the US $ checks we present? Probably worth claiming or at least seeking legal advice, as these fees can rack up.

More about the legal background:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6169539.stm

Making your claim:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6170209.stm

I get charged £7 for every US $ cheque i put into my bank. Fuckers !!

Be aware if you do this make sure you have a back up bank account ready, as I know of many people that have done this and after getting any payout from the bank their accounts are shut down.

Scott change banks... I'm with TSB and never pay more than £30-£50 for up to 50 cheques and high value.

LloydsTSB £8/batch of cheques apparently.

The legal issue is with the penalties for things like going over your limit, not fees for things like paying in cheques. That's a shame, because it's a bastard paying in USD cheques in the UK.