To ask you where I should bank?

[summerbreezer]

So sick of Natwest. Awful customer service. I am trying to set up a business bank account. Have to ring expensive phone line, only for them to keep me talking for 10 minutes before attempting to put me through to business banking. When that doesn't work, they tell me someone will call me back in four hours. Does that happen..of course not.

I don't care where I bank - I just want good customer service and internet banking. I don't even necessarily need a business bank account, just a reasonable (£1500) overdraft.

Anyone got any recommendations?

Another one for do not trust Santander, now with natwest and have been impressed with them by comparison......

I've been with First Direct for 20 years and I'd never change. Ever. and if you mention me if and when you switch I might get £25

My husband has recently opened an account with First Direct. He rang them about something recently, and got straight through to an actual human being. What's more, she was able to help him with whatever he rung about.

No robot voice, no press 1 for this etc etc.

Sounds fab to me.

Barclays.

I'll add my First Direct vote...they're great! We have banking and mortgage with them. Savings all over the shop bit wouldn't trust anyone else with current especially HSBC even though they are same group after it took them a year to close joint account with ExP who was useless with money and huge liability

Noooo...just had an email from first direct to say they're rolling out that bloody securekey thing....arse!

DO NOT BANK WITH SANTANDER!

We have no problem with Santander. We have a current account with them (had for 15 years) and my business account is with them. The business banking folk are in Glasgow and are great.

co-op, brilliant customer service, lovely staff and generally very helpful. and they don't constantly send you bumf to try to sell stuff to you.

Just to echo comments re Santander. They are fine with everyday transactions but useless if anything goes wrong, or is unusual. Everything gets referred to Head Office, as the branch staff ( even the managers) have next to no training. I had huge problems with them when my Father died and they b up the deceased customer procedures. Ended up with £3000 compensation, but the hassle and upset they caused my poor Mum and as an ex bank clerk I knew what should have been happening, and I knew they were spouting c every time I spoke to them. If I had been a layman and had taken their word, I doubt it would have been sorted even now, and Dad died four years ago!!

first direct are beyond fab. couldn't recommend them highly enough!

Thanks all! I was thinking Co-Op or First Direct so that confirms my thinking.

For whoever mentioned not running business through personal accounts 0- I should have mentioned I am a barrister and receive all payments by BACS from Chambers through solicitors/LA agency, so no Money Laundering issues. I just need the overdraft because no-one wants to pay me. :(

But thanks for all your help and advice.

First Direct since they started.

They are wonderful. Never had a bad call and now their internet service is a doddle to use.

I actually miss speaking to them...

Halifax are good. Also if you have a current account with them you get a savings account for your kids which gives a ridiculous amount of interest. About 6% I think.

First direct, I love them. They have never let me down and they always answer the phone. Never get stuck in a queue or listen to recorded messages. I really love them.

First Direct are brilliant - couldn't be more helpful and you can ring any time, day or night.