Berlin Sparkasse has to pay customers back money - consumer advice center wins

Berlin Sparkasse has to pay customers back money - consumer advice center wins

Berliner Sparkasse has suffered a defeat in court and must reimburse its customers. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations had filed a lawsuit against the savings bank because unannounced cost increases were made without informing customers. The Berlin Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the consumers and confirmed that the Sparkasse was not allowed to introduce or increase fees without the consent of the customers.

Berliner Sparkasse had increased account management fees several times without active consent. For example, a specific change in checking accounts led to a unilateral increase in the monthly fee of three euros. Although the savings bank did not want to refund the additional amounts, consumer advocates supported a class action lawsuit by around 1,200 affected customers. The court found that the claims are time-barred and an appeal is being considered.

In addition, the ruling could also have an impact on customers of other banks that have made similar unlawful cost increases. Bank customers are being asked to check their statements since January 2018 to see if they notice an unauthorized increase in the account maintenance fee. In this case, customers can claim a refund by sending a sample letter from the consumer advice center to their bank.

Niels Nauhauser from the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Center in Stuttgart emphasizes that the fee increases of recent years are legally ineffective. Customers have the right to claim back the overpaid money from their bank. It is recommended that you review the effective price schedule when opening your account to determine whether an unlawful fee increase has occurred.