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Bank surcharge! Better known as ” agios “, the operating costs of banks can vary from one institution to another. How to react with your bank in the event of a payment incident?
Agios
Contrary to popular belief, agios are not only debit interest debited from your account when you are overdrawn, but also concern all the operating costs of your account: withdrawal from a distributor other than that of its bank, credit … If you have the impression that you are paying too many agios, do not hesitate to refer to your account agreement and the fee schedule given to you by your bank to check that you are not paying too many bank charges. If this is the case, it is possible to negotiate these agios. To do this, go to your bank, preferably when your financial situation is healthy. You can then highlight your seniority in the establishment, your loyalty and your age.
In the event of a payment incident
In the event of a check or direct debit payment incident, bank charges are capped by order of 15 November 2007. For checks for an amountless than 50 euros, charges are capped at 30 euros. For checks of an amount greater than 50 euros, the costs are limited to 50 euros. Concerning the rejection of a levy, the decree provides for a double ceiling: the amount of agios cannot exceed the amount withdrawn and remains capped at 20 euros. If you wish to be reimbursed for costs resulting from a banking incident, this is possible if your bank has invoiced you several times for the same outstanding payment (the same check for example, etc.). You will then have to demonstrate that it is the same banking incident. Do not hesitate to make a summary table of the fees charged by your bank. You can send a letter to your bank by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. If your agency is not responsive to your complaint,
Modification of prices during the contract
If your bank intends to change its rates, any change must be notified to you three months before it takes effect. You then have a two-month appeal period. If you do not contest within this period, you then give your tacit agreement to your bank, especially if you have already started to pay services at the new rate. If the bank has not informed you, you can request the implementation of the old rates, or close and transfer your account.
Since January 2011, banks have been required to display their prices very clearly on their websites. Twice a year, you should receive its tariff leaflets. Stay vigilant and do not hesitate to ask your bank for the new tariff conditions in order to check your rights.
your rights
The banks have set up a “security package” for vulnerable people: the means of payment for these people are limited, either by the absence of a checkbook, or by the allocation of an anti-overdraft card. Incident costs are indeed reduced.
Banks are required to summarize on your bank statement the bank charges that were debited the previous month. This makes it easier for you to dispute the bank charges you have been charged, but also to control what your bank is doing.
Finally, never hesitate to discuss and dispute the bank charges that are applied to you.
DAMY law firm , Nice, Bank charges, Update 2022
