Court ruling: Berliner Sparkasse must pay customers back money

Court ruling: Berliner Sparkasse must pay customers back money

Berliner Sparkasse lost in court in a case in which consumer advocates took action against unannounced cost increases. The court ruled in favor of the customers, who are now entitled to refunds. The savings bank had increased the costs without the explicit consent of the customers, which was now considered unlawful.

The Berlin Chamber Court confirmed the position of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) and allows customers to hope for repayments as soon as the judgment is final. Berliner Sparkasse had increased account management fees several times without customer approval, which led to class action lawsuits. Although the court considers the claims to be time-barred, consumer advocates are considering an appeal.

The ruling could also affect customers of other banks that have experienced similar unannounced fee increases. Bank customers are encouraged to check their bank statements to see if they are eligible for repayments. The consumer advice center offers a sample letter that customers can send to their bank to claim money they have paid too much. Experts, such as Niels Nauhauser from the Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center, confirm that customers are entitled to reclaim these fee increases because they are considered ineffective.