To ask your bank recommendations

[Mamamooligans]

I'm unhappy with my current bank and looking to switch.
Who do you recommend? I've heard of a few non-highstreet banks that people have recommended on other posts, such as ones that show you where your money is going to help with budgeting. But I can't remember the name, what bank do you love and why?

First Direct. Fantastic bank, staffed by people who are always helpful. Always been happy and I was a very early customer.

Echo first direct.

I’m very happy with Monzo

I’ve recently switched to Monzo and I really love it. It make me keeping track of finances incredibly easy. You can set a monthly spending limit, have lots of different saving pots for different things. You can also round up your spending to the next pound and it will save the difference in a pot for you. Really helps with saving as you don’t notice it going.

The only downside is if you break/lose your phone there is no online banking. You can get a basic overview online but not the full app. But I think they’re planning on adding full capabilities to online in the near future.

I've been with Nationwide for over 20 years. They are fab. They aren't a bank but a building society so they only have their customers to please rather than shareholders.

Another one for First Direct - although be aware it's (primarily) a telephone and internet only offering.

You can withdraw and deposit money over the counter at its sister bank HSBC UK, but you'll need to telephone ahead to arrange.

Otherwise it genuinely has fantastic levels of customer service. And the call centre is based in the UK. That's not a xenophobic comment, but I find it hugely useful at times to speak to UK nationals when discussing finances etc, just in terms of avoiding anything lost in translation.

Another vote for First Direct - we've had our joint account with them for about 8 years and their level of service is excellent (although it's rare we have needed to contact them). I'm an ex customer service manager btw so VERY hot on that element!

Some of my friends have the budgeting one you mention (think there are a few now). Sure it's called Monzo but no personal experience.

First Direct. Their call centre is just great - pucks up within a couple of rings every time. Even when we were arranging our mortgage, and needed them to confirm to an estate agent that we were good to buy a house for a particular price, they were there on a Saturday to deal with us right away (the EA assumed we wouldn't be able to do anything until the next Monday).

I have always been with Nationwide and I've had a second account with Lloyds for a year and wouldn't hesitate to recommend both. Lloyds have great benefits, nationwide has great customer service and they have an option to show you where your money goes.

@GinDaddy, I've never had to call ahead to deposit money etc at HSBC.

Another vote for first direct

First Direct really is a good option.

You can withdraw and deposit money over the counter at its sister bank HSBC UK, but you'll need to telephone ahead to arrange.

I've never had to give notice of counter transactions, although I tend to do most at the machine anyway. Do you mean withdrawing large amounts of cash (which you'd have to give notice for in most banks and building societies)?

First Direct here too - can't fault them.

@Disfordarkchocolate @EskewedBeef

My bad it's been a while since I did this, so clearly I'm out of date with my knowledge apologies

Even better though for First Direct as a recommendation if thats' the case.

Monzo! Unless you need to deposit cash frequently. Then I'd say Starling. I have both and use Monzo as my day to day but deposit cash into Starling and transfer it over

Cancel the cheque, I mean, First Direct

Banked with them for years and they are exceptional.

First direct here too, great customer service British call centres

Another one for first direct!

Yep First Direct are brilliant

Then I'd say Starling.

I opened a Starling account purely for the fee free foreign transactions when travelling so don't use it for everyday banking.

My daughter loves Monzo though, it would like it's useful for managing money and budgeting.

Just to jump on the thread, husband and I are looking for a new joint account, any suggestions, my brain is fried by the offerings on the high street and we cannot agree...

Another vote for First Direct. I couldn't fault them and have a special spot in my heart for them as a truly wonderful customer service representative sent me flowers once to help cheer me about about feeling guilty for being a working mummy!

Ive been with lloyds for about 11 years..always found them good. Also just recently joined monzo bank

first direct or Monzo. I have both :)