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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:

HalloumiGus · 04/10/2018 17:13

I'm happy with my bank but friends and family love Nationwide. If I was changing I would head there.

ShatnersBassoon · 04/10/2018 17:15

Starling.

soupforbrains · 04/10/2018 17:17

OP if you're in London or the southeast then METROBANK is far and away the best.

anywhere else then Nationwide like everyone has said. Avoid Natwest and Barclays like the plague.

Interested in this thread?

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General money

MiddlingMum · 04/10/2018 17:20

I have had the most amazing service from NatWest, with staff going beyond and above to sort out some really complicated family finances. Maybe it's just our local branch but they have been fantastic, to the point that I'm going to open a second account with them.

Barclays, on the other hand ......

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 04/10/2018 17:21

Another vote for Monzo...

Daffodils78 · 04/10/2018 17:23

Natwest or Nationwide.

AlbusPercival · 04/10/2018 17:24

First direct and Monzo have both been great for me

lexi727 · 04/10/2018 17:25

I was with HSBC and they are shite. Moved to Lloyd's and haven't looked back

granny24 · 04/10/2018 17:27

Nationwide. Brilliant service.

Racecardriver · 04/10/2018 17:28

I use barclays. I am about 95 percent satisfied with the service.

rebelrosie12 · 04/10/2018 17:30

If you want a super slick app then monzo is amazing.

inchoccyheaven · 04/10/2018 17:30

Been with first direct many years. 24 hour 365 days open call centre based in the uk. Always very helpful on the phone and I use the app on phone for online banking.

MrsPnut · 04/10/2018 20:05

When you call First Direct, there is no press one for losing the will to live. Someone answers the phone and asks how they can help you.
You can also secure message them through the app and they reply within 24 hours.

I love FD so much.

lexi727 · 04/10/2018 20:08

@rebelrosie12 have always used monzo for when I'm travelling. Is it good for just everyday banking too?

LBOCS2 · 04/10/2018 20:15

All of them, but First Direct are the best out of the lot. I love them and will never be lured away.

SpoonBlender · 04/10/2018 20:19

Never had any trouble with Santander, nine years and two accounts.

If you're going to be in trouble when a card is blocked, just get more cards. I always hold a Visa, a Mastercard and American Express because I've been in countries where one or another simply isn't valid to their ATM's or banks.

LastOneDancing · 04/10/2018 20:20

Imved from HSBC to Halifax and I've been very happy for about 10 years.

But I've been lured to Nationwide by their decent kids saving account rates which are even better if I swap my current account (plus the £100 for referral!).

I have more trust in building societies than banks.

bigsighall · 04/10/2018 20:23

First direct. As pp said, no pressing thru 10000’s menus you just call and someone answers. You couldn’t pay me to switch.

DanielSpaniel · 04/10/2018 20:23

First Direct are great, I left HSBC for them too. Like someone else has said, an actual human answers the phone - usually very quickly. And, they understand what you’re saying. And they do what they can to help you in a friendly, efficient way. They’re the polar opposite of HSBC yet both are the same company - incredible really.

WhatAPandemonium · 04/10/2018 20:25

I'm first direct too and highly recommend

MargaretDribble · 04/10/2018 20:26

We changed to Nationwide from Crapwest, and have been happy so far.
Crapwest couldn't care less that they'd lost our custom after 40+ years.

Original poster

FaFoutis · 04/10/2018 20:35

Thanks so much all, I'm switching. Biggest consensus seems to be Nationwide or First Direct so I'll go for one of those.

I'm not in London. Yes, I need some credit cards, I'll do that. Freckled thanks for the offer, but I looked it up and it doesn't apply for the account I need.

Fuck HSBC.

OP posts:

MillieMoodle · 04/10/2018 20:55

Another vote for Nationwide, have been with them for years and never had a problem.

Recently also set up a first direct account, although have since closed it as I didn't realise they'd charge me every month if I didn't pay a certain amount in, but the customer service to set up and close was great.

Cauliflowersqueeze · 04/10/2018 21:00

First Direct.

Amazing. Excellent service always.

SuburbanRhonda · 04/10/2018 21:01

I’ve just switched to Nationwide from Co-op after Co-op stated proudly in one if their publications that they had refused banking services to a feminist group who allegedly discriminated against the transgender community. I contacted them to ask for more details and made an appointment for the relevant person to call me back. They never did.

DS is already with Nationwide so he did “Recommend a Friend” and we both got £100

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