Cheque processing charge?

You were charged because the cheque was drawn on a German bank and therefore still had to be collected from Germany, even though it was written in stirling.

However, you should have been advised of the charge when you payed the cheque in. If you weren't, then that is grounds for a complaint.

In message , Malcolm H writes

Can you remember if the cheque was drawn on a UK bank account in the name of the german bank?

Or was the only bank address on it a german one?

I suspect it will be the latter. Despite the sterling denomination it was a foreign which means that NatWest has to send the cheque, by post, to Germany and get the German bank to credit Natwest in London in sterling with the Dosh. They eprform a contra transaction in Euros in Germany to debit the drawers account. All of will be done by either mail or telegraphic transfer or swift. That costs money. NWs only mistake was not to warn you.

I cant understand why the drawer was foolish enough to send you a cheque in Sterling drawn on a German Bank. That is an expensive, and silly, way of doing things.

If you go threatening them the way you suggest you wont endear yourself to anybody and I cant think of a reason why they should collect a foreign cheque, especially one drawn in a currency other than that for the country upon which it is drawn, for you for free.

john boyle secured a place in history by writing:

More to the point, I can't understand why the Natwest cashier accepted the cheque in the first place. And given that they did so, didn't write when they realised the mistake. I would write requesting that they refund the fee, as you would have sought a sterling cheque drawn in in London had you been advised of the charges. They can't reasonably present you with a fait accompli in this way (and will probably not kick up a fuss, don't think you should either - probably an honest mistake)

In message , Ferger writes

That brings us back to another thread, lack of training! Having said that, the payee should have said something as it was paid in, it was a foreign cheque after all!

I dont support the cashier's action, but when they stamp a receipt they just accept a credit for subsequent checking.

john boyle secured a place in history by writing:

It's easily missed by a cashier. But there's no excuse for not advising the customer of the charges involved in collection when the bank realises (after it's come back from clearing probably_

Thank you all for your excellent advice gentlemen. I have cooled off a little so will write a more moderate letter.

I followed Ferger's advice and got a full refund. Many thanks!

In message , Malcolm H writes

Well done!