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Original poster

Can we talk about which banks have decent apps and service?

22 replies

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 09:36

I've been with Halifax for about 6 years. The app is great and does everything I need it to. If I get a cheque (rarely but does happen) then I can easily pay it in on the app which is handy as no branches near me. I manage my money by having pots for different things, so I have food, petrol, kids dinner money etc etc. So I know exactly what I have in my current account is mine to spend. It has loads of other useful features and I just loved using it to stay on top of my banking. The only thing which wasn't so good was that the interest wasn't so good for our savings accounts.

Because I could get better interest on our various savings accounts elsewhere I thought I'd look at moving so did a switch to Nationwide. It's like going back in time. It's an awful app and I can see loads of people are giving the same feedback on the app reviews but I just can't live with it. I can't even change the reference when I'm sending money to people, that's how bad it is. I have divided my money into different easy access savings accounts like I used to do with Halifax and you can't rename them so I have loads of random pots which I keep forgetting which is which.

So please recommend your bank to me. I'm not bothered about hurting my credit rating moving so quickly as our mortgage deal isn't up until 2024.

OP posts:

sashagabadon · 04/12/2022 09:37

I rate first direct. Although I cannot comment on their app as I do not use it

BamBamBilla · 04/12/2022 09:38

Starling. The traditional brick banks are miles behind the technology of the online banks if the app functionality is important to you.

Whatwouldscullydo · 04/12/2022 09:38

I find the chase app nice and idiot proof.

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ProfessorGambol · 04/12/2022 09:39

First Direct. Excellent customer service and great app.

GorgeousLadyofWrestling · 04/12/2022 09:40

Agree with the PP who mentioned Starling. The likes of Starling, Monzo, Revolut are light years ahead in tech terms than the bricks and mortar banks. If you want a good digital experience, go to a digital bank.

milkandchocolat · 04/12/2022 09:40

First direct

Original poster

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 09:42

Ah I do already have a Starling account which I don't use. I can't remember why I opened it tbh, maybe to use abroad on holiday. I didn't realise that it could function as a proper current account. I'll look into that!

OP posts:

WondrousWinger · 04/12/2022 09:42

The traditional brick banks are miles behind the technology of the online banks if the app functionality is important to you

Definitely this.

Plus, there are always situations where customer service will suggest you go to a branch. You don't get that with online banks.

Personally I recommend Monzo. Brilliant app and the couple of times I've had a problem and messaged them it's been quick and throughly addressed.

GorgeousLadyofWrestling · 04/12/2022 09:46

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 09:42

Yep they do everything a traditional bank does - overdraft facility, international payments, DDs, personal payments plus things like spaces to partition money, built in budgeting app etc. I’m not totally married to Starling themselves - would like to try Monzo and I use Revolut for work - but I am completely sold on the concept of digital banks. But I’ve worked in Fintech so already knew of their capability but also security.

dementedma · 04/12/2022 09:49

I use Santander for all online banking and Revolut when travelling abroad.

Ricardothesnowman · 04/12/2022 10:07

I wanted to move to the co-op bank, fot its ethical stance, but I heard the app was dreadful. Does anyone recommend it?

Original poster

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 10:40

Thanks everyone, I've done a video to get my Starling account up and running again but just hope they help me switch all my direct debits over as that would be a pain. Thanks 😃

OP posts:

BamBamBilla · 04/12/2022 11:14

In the account menu there is a 'switch to starling' option and it will take you through the steps how to switch all you direct debits over. It should only take a few minutes and they'll complete it all in about a week.

Original poster

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 11:16

Thanks that's great. I'll leave my long term savings with Halifax and Nationwide for the better rates and switch the current account to Starling. Goodbye terrible Nationwide app!

OP posts:

summergone · 04/12/2022 11:19

So glad you posted this op Nationwide had an offer on , move to them for £200 I was considering it , not now think that would drive me mad !

queenofthewild · 04/12/2022 11:22

Ricardothesnowman · 04/12/2022 10:07

I wanted to move to the co-op bank, fot its ethical stance, but I heard the app was dreadful. Does anyone recommend it?

I find them infuriating.

They have recently updated their app and it has come on leaps and bounds. Much easier to use than it was.

However, I've banked with them nearly 25 years. Their Smile account really kick started online banking. But they have sat back and watched other banks overtaking them with better tech and services and done nothing to improve themselves. They had a terrible time last year when the app was down for unplanned maintenance for days.

If it wasn't for their ethics I would have run a mile years ago.

KnickerlessParsons · 04/12/2022 11:22

I thought I'd look at moving so did a switch to Nationwide. It's like going back in time. It's an awful app and I can see loads of people are giving the same feedback on the app reviews but I just can't live with it. I can't even change the reference when I'm sending money to people, that's how bad it is

FYI Nationwide have just upgraded their ap and the new one is much better. They are also in the process of getting rid of their dreaded card readers.

chelle0 · 04/12/2022 11:25

You can change the name of accounts on the nationwide app.

CurlyhairedAssassin · 04/12/2022 11:29

I’ve been with Nationwide for over 20 years. I used them for my mortgage and now for long term savings. The app is absolutely fine for stashing money away. It’s not the best for moving money about regularly I don’t think but their savings rates are good (4.75% for 3 year bond) so I’ve just stuck a large amount in there. I can see it on the app and that’s all I need to be able to do.

I also have the Barclays app, god, I love that. It’s so good. That’s what I use for my main current account and for keeping short term smaller “pots”.

liarliarshortsonfire · 04/12/2022 11:32

I bank with NatWest and tbh I've not had to go into a bank in years. Now I can pay cheques in via the app I don't see why I'd ever go into a bank again.

But I've not tried any of the 'digital' banks, so can't compare, although I struggle to think what they'd do better.

Original poster

Givenhud · 04/12/2022 11:47

I think if I hadn't moved from a bank with a really good app then I wouldn't have noticed so much. My H is still with co op and he finds the app terrible but can't be arsed to move.

I can't work out how to name the savings pots on Nationwide. Yeah the card readers are an awful feature. I must have the latest version of the Nationwide app as I only downloaded it on Friday. If this is the improved version then God help them! I currently have no idea how much I have to spend in my account as the direct debit feature isn't showing. Can't wait to move.

OP posts:

X2Kids · 04/12/2022 12:31

I have account with some already mentioned.

I find Starling the best for dividing money into pots but I don't use it for everyday banking. NatWest is the best, easy to use, also good customer service centre.

Nationwide app is crap IMO. I would not use them for everyday banking. I do have savings with them and the app is good enough to view balances.

Santander, again app usability is not the best.

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