Chamber court rules against Berliner Sparkasse: Customers can demand money back

Chamber court rules against Berliner Sparkasse: Customers can demand money back

Berliner Sparkasse has suffered a defeat in court, potentially leading to refunds for customers. Consumer advocates had sued the savings bank for unannounced cost increases that occurred without customer consent. The Berlin Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv), thereby allowing customers to make possible repayments (Az 26 MK 1/21).

Berliner Sparkasse had increased costs several times, including by unilaterally increasing the monthly fee by three euros without the active consent of customers. These increases led to a class action lawsuit involving approximately 1,200 customers. However, the court recognizes that the statute of limitations for the claims is a challenge and that consumer advocates are examining a possible appeal.

The ruling could also impact customers of other banks that have made similar unannounced cost increases. Banks such as Postbank, Deutsche Bank, ING Diba, Commerzbank and Sparkasse Ulm could potentially be affected. Customers are encouraged to check their bank statements since January 2018 to determine whether they are eligible for repayments. The consumer advice center provides a sample letter that customers can use to claim back money that they have paid too much from their bank.

Niels Nauhauser from the Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center emphasizes that the fee increases of recent years are invalid and customers have the right to demand their money back from the bank. It is recommended that you check the price schedule in effect when opening your account to determine whether any unauthorized increases have been made. With material from AFP.