Packaged account reclaim denied, worth FOS???

[TreeHuggerMum1]

Hi.

I had an Advantage Gold account for almost 8 years. I was very young when this was pushed upon me and was given all the promises of better credit, better mortgage rates, a better rate for a loan (the reason I had gone in to the bank in the first place was for loan advice) and I was told as I had very little credit history I really needed this account. This was in 2001. After all the hikes I cancelled the account at the end of 2008 in store and asked to complain there and then about the hard sell of the account etc.
I was told it was needed to be in writing and fully intended to do so.
I was pregnant at the time and shortly after this was rushed to hospital and gave birth to a very poorly premature baby. I had another child shortly after and then a battle with depression and anxiety and before you know it 6 years has passed.
The whole bank thing slipped my mind until recently and I lodged an official complaint with Natwest. They have responded with a letter saying that I am outside of any timeframes and therefore there is no case.
Would the FOS agree? Is it worth getting them involved or shall I just shelve it as youthful bad judgment?
Anyone had any similar experience?
Thanks for reading.

I'd say definitely go to financial ombudsman. Ime they say "no" and hope it's enough to put you off.

That is, the banks say no hoping that's enough

Did you actually take advantage of a better loan rate / mortgage rate or any of the other things you get with the account as surely that is relevant .

Ask FOS to consider it based on your extenuating circumstances, they can do & do consider all aspects (I work in complaints). Not sure on exact dates but a complaint can be accepted in any form not just written, it used to be that saying you had to write in was the norm but now that is classed as a barrier to customers complaining. Dependent on when the rules changed it may be that they gave you incorrect advice.

PM me if you want any help/advice.

I'd complain yes. They can only say no and if they do you are no worse off but if they say yes then you get your money back.

Good luck

Thanks folks, I'll send a letter and hope for the best

Hi. I work for a cmc (claims management company) and there is a new 6 year rule being ruled out so it does sound like you are out of time scale with this. Sorry. If you go on fast track reclaim and fill out the form they will be able to give you more advice on it and if its worth persuing.

I got mine back last year and it was at least 10 years since I had been mis-sold the account (never used the benefit and they wouldn't give me an overdraft unless I upgraded.

The new rule has just came out this month. Worth a try though.