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Original poster

Please tell me which bank is less shit than HSBC

67 replies

FaFoutis · 04/10/2018 15:21

HSBC keep stopping my card. Sometimes it just starts working again, sometimes I have to phone them (1hour job, unintelligible and, I think, rude call centre) and then it takes a week for another card to come. Sometimes I get random sinister unintelligible calls from their 'fraud' department, sometimes not. They often block my card without informing me at all.

They are putting me in dangerous positions by leaving me alone without money when I travel. I understand they are looking out for fraud, but the level of this suggests they have huge problems with their own security. I bloody hate them.

Can anyone recommend a bank that doesn't behave like this? Please?

OP posts:
FreckledLeopard · 04/10/2018 15:25

I've had no problems with Nationwide. They've been fine and I like the FlexPlus account.

Let me know if you're interested in switching and I can share a code with you which would give each of us £100 on switching Smile.

Tomboytown · 04/10/2018 15:25

I hate them too
Sorry that doesn’t help

MrsL2016 · 04/10/2018 15:25

Does this only happen when you travel? Do you inform them when you go? It's a quick form on your online banking stating the dates you are travelling and where too. I have never had a problem using either credit or debit card abroad with them when doing this. Sorry no suggestion of a better bank as I am with them.

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Original poster
FaFoutis · 04/10/2018 15:27

Not just when I travel, the last one was me trying to buy something from Argos. Travel is UK anyway.

OP posts:
NotExactlyHappyToHelp · 04/10/2018 16:07

Another vote for Nationwide.

I changed to them from HSBC as they closed my account due to inactivity even though it was a bog standard debit card and I still had a small amount of money in there. Bastards!

I upgraded my Nationwide account on the phone a few weeks ago and the lady was so lovely I was compelled to email them afterwards to compliment the customer service.

I’ve never waited long on the phone and I’ve always spoken to really lovely helpful people.

TallulahBetty · 04/10/2018 16:10

Nationwide again. We left HSBC for them

Disfordarkchocolate · 04/10/2018 16:10

I can recommend Nationwide and First Direct. First Direct are world's away from HSBC in terms of service.

KimoraLee · 04/10/2018 16:11

I'm surprised to hear that. Ive been with them since 1995 and never had this problem. Not to say you're making it up but just surprised.

bananamonkey · 04/10/2018 16:14

First Direct, I don't understand how since they're part of HSBC but they are brilliant in terms of service. UK call centres too.

BusterTheBulldog · 04/10/2018 16:15

I used to really rate Hsbc but Crickey their call centre is something else! Interesting to see replies to this.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 04/10/2018 16:16

Im shocked too...i've been with HSBC for over 30 years and never had a problem with them either.

foxyknoxy30 · 04/10/2018 16:16

Tesco bank is great

smoothieooo · 04/10/2018 16:17

Another vote for First Direct. I've been with them for over 20 years and I can always get through to somebody if I need to... plus the online app is really good.

Pootlebug · 04/10/2018 16:17

Monzo

DisrespectfulAdultFemale · 04/10/2018 16:19

I hate HSBC and am looking to jump ship. I will be looking into Nationwide and FirstDirect. HSBC's call centre sucks.

LisaSimpsonsbff · 04/10/2018 16:20

I also left HSBC because they stopped my card and then were really difficult about it (I ended up having a 'I shall take my money elsewhere!' flounce, which I suspect would have had more impact if I hadn't been overdrawn at the time... Though that was unrelated to the card stoppage). I also switched to Nationwide because DH banked with them and hadn't had problems - have had no issues since so would recommend! When I went into the HSBC branch to close my account the customer services woman whispered to me that she had only recently started working there and has been shocked at how poor their call centre is...

KimoraLee · 04/10/2018 16:31

Those of you recommending FirstDirect, what is it exactly about their service that is better than HSBC? i've often heard about how good they are but would like to know what they offer over HSBC. I might just switch.

gobbin · 04/10/2018 16:33

Nationwide. They are a Building Society with exactly the same functions as a bank, only they have more regard and obligation to their customers rather than shareholders. Been with them 30 years.

babycakes1010 · 04/10/2018 16:43

Nationwide

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 04/10/2018 16:56

Nationwide. They are always pleasant and helpful. I switched to them from Barclays who were shit.

DGRossetti · 04/10/2018 16:56

I would recommend Nationwide too, but beware - they cancelled a card of mine with no warning, and despite going through the ombudsman (which, incidentally was a waste of time) I never got more that a "because of security".

didn't even get an apology.

MummytoCSJH · 04/10/2018 17:00

I switched to nationwide a few months ago and everything has been perfect. My partner has had fraud a few times on his nationwide account and they've been amazing about sorting it out without blocking his card.

MerryTwinkletoes · 04/10/2018 17:00

Co-op bank is great, really recommend them!

Glitteryfrog · 04/10/2018 17:06

Nationwide - They're great.
Joint account with HSBC... shower of shite.
I've also got monzo for travelling abroad.

Nishky · 04/10/2018 17:09

Monzo or Starling