Banks are notorious for charging higher sums than have been deemed necessary on accounts

- Best account rates
- Calculate how your savings will grow

The first letter

This letter asks your bank, card issuer or mortgage provider to send you a list of all the default charges (on unauthorised overdrafts and unpaid direct debits) applied to your account in the last six years.

You only need send this if you want your money back and have not kept statements. Go straight to letter two if you already have details of all the default charges you have paid.

Check through carefully and insert your personal information where indicated. And remember to delete this introductory text before you print out your letter for the bank.

[INSERT TODAY’S DATE]

[INSERT YOUR HOME ADDRESS]

[INSERT THE NAME OF YOUR BANK]

[INSERT THE ADDRESS OF BANK]

Re: Account number [INSERT YOUR ACCOUNT NUMBER]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I request that [INSERT THE NAME OF YOUR BANK] provides me with details of all default charges for unauthorised overdrafts and unpaid direct debits and standing orders I have paid in the last six years.

I understand that [INSERT THE NAME OF YOUR BANK] is obliged to provide this information under the Data Protection Act 1998.

I look forward to hearing from you within 40 days.

Yours faithfully

[SIGN YOUR NAME]

[TYPE YOUR NAME]

Or open the letter as a word document