Bank charges in England

Of course there will have been changes in the last 10 years, but I was amazed at the difference in attitude. In England I had been with the TSB since I was a kid, had been employed and, even when unemployed for a while in the early 90's never bounced a cheque or payment and never went overdrawn even if it was a case of having only a quid in the account at times.

Then, in 1996, I applied for an overdraft facility of 200 quid while in permanent employment. Not earning much, but enough for that not to have been a problem (15k I think). They refused. Then, I had a chance of a holiday at short notice and asked for a loan of 700 quid after pressure from my then ex.

I moved to Holland and a payment failed because of a mix-up in the international transfer. TSB charged me 60 quid from my English account without me knowing, meaning the next month failed as well. Another 60 quid. I realised and phone them up and said I could pay the entire balance in 6 weeks' time. They refused the offer, then they gave it to an international debt collection agency who wanted the complete sum and added another 300 quid expenses. They were based in Philadelphia and had a freephone number. I called them and they said "Hey, 6 weeks ? No problem. If you do it on that date, we will not charge you the extra 300." I did, and they kept their word.

In the meantime I discovered that in Holland rent was twice the price as in England, and that you had to pay not only a month in advance, but also a month fee to the agency. I asked the Dutch bank for a loan. They laughed and said "Why ? We'll just give you an 800 quid free overdraft.". I'd only been there 2 months.

Couldn't believe the difference between the Dutch and US attitudes compared to the British.

Posted By: Steve in Holland, Jan 3, 09:43:03