Big 4 clearing banks

[geranium]

I would like to call again on the expertise of MN members. I'm sick and tired of my bank and a letter this morning informing me that they are closing my local branch is the final straw. This bank obviously doesn't have any interest in its (low-paying) non-business customers. I would therefore be grateful for views on which of Barclays, NatWest, HSBC and Lloyds MNers consider best. I'm not mentioning my current bank as I don't want to prejudice the survey!

Thanks

PS for various reasons I want to stick to those 4 banks (rather than internet options etc) for the moment.

joint account is with RBS (who i think are with natwest now) and they are shite. Keep urging DP to move.

I'm with abbey - personal and business - and have always been pleased with them.

I actually work as a branch manager for Nationwide (on a job share basis) and can honestly say that the customer is our number one priority - no share holders to pay etc etc etc. we always try to look atit from their point of view. thanks for the positive comments - will let powers that be know. By the way they als treat us brilliantly as employees!

Lloyds have been great for me, but I have to say, they like me a lot more now I earn cash than they did when I was a student. (maybe because they don't have to send me horrid letters telling me how much of their money I've spent!!)
Internet banking is fab. Always had good service in the branches too.
Nationwide are equally nice, very friendly and willing to help.

It all so depends on how you manage your account really.

We have had no problems with HSBC/First Direct - they have been great with us.

Natwest have treated us badly on several occasions but we still have one main account with them.

we've had probs with NatWest - at one point they decided dh had died and cacelled all the cheques we'd written and direct debits! Offered us £30 for "the inconvenience"! They never did find out why they reckoned he was dead.

Vickiyumyum-How awful,but totally believable,seeing it's Abbey.
I had my card cloned at an ATM in Feb and lost £1500.Abbey didnt believe me and wouldnt refund it.Finally got The Financial Ombudsman involved and got my money back 2 months ago,plus £250 compensation.Even though I won my case Abbey said they still didn't believe me but were giving me my money back as a goodwill gesture.They caused me so much hassle,especially as I was pg at the time.Glad to be rid of them now.

KathH.