HSBC tariff trouble - thoughts appreciated.

[13m]

We've a number of HSBC business accounts, which were until recently account managed.

I noticed this month that our charges have fallen off a cliff, so I called HSBC.

Apparently they have moved us from the small business tariff to business internet banking. It makes a HUGE difference to costs. Nothing about our business has changed in terms of transactions or how it operates.

I asked why they didn't move us sooner and they said, "we don't move customers without permission", however that is exactly what they've done. I am pleased that they have moved us, but annoyed that it didn't happen sooner.

I haven't badgeered them about reducing charges recenty. That is largely because our account manager always said, "you're on the small business tariff, you're a small business, what exactly were you expecting?" or words to that effect.

Hands up, I have no defence, I know banks are shysters and I should have been watching them very closely. But we had an account manager who, precuambly, should have had at least some responsibility for ensuring that we were on the right tariff. I have made a complaint along those lines, but it seems a bit thin.

So. Expesive lesson? Or can anyone think of an angle of attack here?

[13m]

I have just noticed that they have refunded 13 months charges to my account...

I wonder when the new tariff became available.

[arcturus]

I've been on their Business Internet Banking tariff since I joined HSBC about 5 years ago. Can't tell you when it was first introduced.