Using a Subject Access Request

If you don't have the copies of all your bank statements, or your online banking does not provide details of your older charges, you can use the Data Protection Act, to obtain the information you need from the bank.

The request you send is called a 'Subject Access Request' and the bank may charge you a maximum £10 for providing you with the information.

The Subject Access Request letter is in the menu opposite: SAR Letter

In order to save time, we have combined an initial request for repayment of charges along with the Subject Access Request.

NOTES FOR COMPLETING THE SAR:

1) Remember to head the letter with your name and address.

2) There are two pages, the first is a preliminary letter, the second is the actual subject access request.

3) You must enclose a cheque or postal order for £10, payable to the bank.

4) All blue parts need to have your own personal details entered.

5) You will need to keep a copy of the leter and request in case you need proof of the request.

7) You will need to send it 'Special' or 'Recorded' delivery, in order to prove that your request was recieved and on what date. You can get proof of delivery online at www.royalmail.co.uk

Now would also be a good time to create a folder for you bank claim, so that you can keep copies of everything you send and recieve. It will be useful later if you start keeping everything in date order right away.

We have listed the addresses for the majority of banks in the menu on the right, if yours is not shown, please feel free to request the address in our community forum.

What Happens Next? 

The Data Protection Act allows the bank 40 days from the date of recieving your request, to provide you with the information. Regrettably we sometimes find that the banks do not provide the information within this time.

Because of this we recommnend sending a reminder letter after 30 days. This has two benefits, it reminds them to deal with your request and can be shown to either the information Comissioner in a complaint, or if needs be, your local court in relation to your claim.

The SAR reminder letter is in the menu to the right.

If you do not recieve your information despite sending the request and the reminder, then it is time to make a complaint to the Information Commissioners Office. You will see there are links on the right for the Information Commissioners guide "How to Complain" and a final link to the actual Complaint Forms.

It is important that these letters are sent in a timely fashion. The bank has a legal obligation to provide you with the information you are requesting by law.  When they don't, it is the remit of the Information Commissioner to assit you in resolving the problem. 

Once you have all the details of your charges, it is time to list them into a spreadhseet to calculate just how much you have paid in charges, ready to claim it all back. Simply follow the next menu item Spreadhseet, to continue with your claim.

Further Information: 

If you would like further information regarding the Data Protection Act, here is a link to the Information Commissioners website:

Information Commissioners Website

The site also provides a downloadable brochure, specifically dealing with a subject access request. 

Subject Access Request Brochure

Our Community Forum: 

If you have any further questions on this part of your claim, there are many experienced members in our community who can advise you from their own experiences.

It only takes a moment to register and then you are free to browse the wealth of information in our community forums and post up any questions you have.

To join our online community forum and recieve direct support from other members, simply follow the Community, or Forum links in the main and top menu's.

If you're not already registered, then please take a moment to do so, there are no charges or fees to join our community and you will discover a wealth of support and information is available from the community.

You can register by clicking on Registration