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One story in the news recently highlighted just how unfair bank charges can be. It was the story of Bernadette Mardon, the disabled grandmother who was charged a fortune by Natwest for accidentally going overdrawn by just a few pounds.

This woman like many people had set up a direct debit account with a charity organisation. Every month £4 would automatically be paid from her account to a charity that provides guide dogs to the blind. When one month this payment forced her to go overdrawn she was told by Natwest that she would have to pay a £40 maintenance fee on top of an unbelievable £160 overcharge. And people say you’re repaid for your good deeds.

Unable to pay the fee, she appealed to her bank to wave the charges. She was told by Natwest’s head office that they would drop the £40 fee but she would be given absolutely no leeway on the £160 overcharge.

This story isn’t completely bleak though. When Bernedette spoke out about these unfair bank charges to an independent party, Natwest refunded the fees within an hour. This is proof that even if your bank attempts to justify their bank charges, you may still be able to claim them back.

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