Santander: Customers get millions back through inadmissible fees!

Santander: Customers get millions back through inadmissible fees!

Alsergrund, Österreich - Vienna, June 2, 2025-a gratifying result for many borrowers: The Workers' Chamber (AK) Vienna achieved. The OGH has classified several fees of the Santander Consumer Bank as illegal. This means that thousands of affected customers can expect repayments.

A total of over 100,000 contracts are affected that were concluded between 2015 and autumn 2023. The refunds can add up to several million euros. In particular, the so -called loan processing fee was considered non -transparent and inadmissible, since it is often listed together with further fees in the contracts, which significantly impairs transparency regarding payments.

What exactly was objected?

The OGH has found that the loan processing fee itself is a clear term, but the specific contract design is unclear and therefore problematic. The assessment of a fee of 12 euros is almost scandalous with a burst direct debit. This was rated as roughly disadvantageous because it did not take into account who was actually responsible for the unsuccessful direct debit. Disruption fees and change plan changes that dynamically refer to price lists also fall into the category of inadmissible fees. If there is no special contractual agreement, customers have a legal right to reimbursement of these fees.

concern the ongoing loans, they are automatically recalculated. Those affected by the customer should also check whether they have already paid loans, which an online form is available for recovery. Here the repayment is made possible quickly and easily to accommodate the many affected borrowers.

How is it going now?

After the talks between Santander and the AK, the bank has promised to repay the inadmissible fees. Affected people are informed: From the beginning of June, the changes will be informed about the changes. The bank's hotline, which can be reached with the number 05 0203 2650, is available for questions. This measure is intended to ensure that all customers feel well informed and know which steps they have to take.

For many, the reimbursement of fees should be a welcome financial discharge, especially in the increasing cost of living. The situation also illustrates how important it is to take a close look at the contractual terms for loans. Often, there are impermissible costs behind apparently clear fees, which consumers: put on the sample.