FAQ's

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How can charges be unlawful if they are stated in my account's terms and conditions?

Under UK law, banks can only impose charges which relate to their costs. We do not consider it costs any bank £20 - £40 to not pay a direct debit (even allowing for the cost of writing you a letter to tell you they have not paid it). If this is the case then in making a £20 - £40 charge, that bank is not recovering their expenditure, it is punishing you. The banks are not permitted to do this. Legally, it is immaterial that the charges have been declared to you. Any contract must be written within the law and a contract can't be enforced with legally unfair terms.

What if I haven't got all my bank statements?

We will, on your behalf, write to your bank and ask, under the data protection act 7(1), that the bank provide us with all bank statements since your account has been held. This normally incurs a fee of £10 which we will pay on your behalf.

How much do you charge?

Our fee is 20% (including VAT) of any unlawful charges recovered on your behalf. We believe that this is one of the most competitive rates on the market and our service and success rate are certainly second to none. We operate a no win, no fee service. We therefore get paid by results. As previously mentioned, we invest in you from the beginning of your claim, therefore we pay all costs relating to the process except for a statuary £10 data retrieval fee. Please be aware that the £10 data retrieval fee is a legal requirement that enables us to recover the last 6 years of your bank statements in  order to calculate the unfair charges that have been levied against you.

What guarantees do you offer?

So far, we have a 100% success rate. This is why we are able to offer a 'No win, No fee' service. We guarantee not to charge you a penny* unless we reclaim your charges.

Could I reclaim the charges by myself?

Yes, but taking on a claim yourself can take many hours and can be quite stressful. Using our service saves you not only time but also the upfront expense, letter writing, form-filling and 'hassle' that is involved in the process. You effectively complete one short form and let us do the rest; this includes any legal action that may need to be taken.

Can I claim back charges from longer than 6 years ago?

Other claims companies say 'no' but we say 'we will try, if you have records of the charges'. There have been claims for charges extending further than 6 years and in one case a claimant had statements dating back 21 years. Some of the legislation on which we base our legal arguments may not apply to cases stretching back beyond 6 years but we are always happy to try to reclaim charges over any period. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

My account was closed some time ago. Can I still claim?

Yes.

Will the bank close my account if I claim back these charges?

In the past, SOME banks have closed successful claimant's accounts AFTER paying back the charges. We believe this may no longer occur following a recent court case and comments from the banks' regulator.

Will my credit rating be affected if I claim?

No.

I am worried about Identity Fraud - can I trust you with my bank statements?

We share your concerns about Identity Fraud. Currently companies offering claims management services are unregulated. From 6 April 2007, it will be an offence to provide claims management services without authorisation, or exemption. We are registered under the Data Protection Act (Registration Number:Z9539378). We use your details only to reclaim your charges. You can feel assured that The Alchemy Organisation Ltd is a specialist claims company regulated by the Department of Constitutional Affairs in respect of claims management activities. Apart from feeling secure knowing your case is being managed by professional industry leading experts, you know you are protected.

How do I start a claim?

Simply call one of friendly claims advisors on 0800 043 6432 or download and complete the online authorisation form.