Who do you bank with, and are they any good?

[BlueGuinefort]

I am currently a little frustrated with our Nationwide Joint account.

Nothing major, but this morning I spent 40 minutes that I don't have searching for my bloody account number online. Just a little thing, but it has me absolutely livid.

Anyway, having sent them a snotty email (when I found the bloody contact form - who designs these systems!?) I am now thinking of voting with my feet.

Tell me who you bank with and that they're great. And, switching bank accounts is easy, right?

Smile. I can't fault them.

The Co op. They are good. Transferred years ago and they moved all tin direct debits etc. The two where we had trouble were council tax and the water bill - our local providers won't accept bank info that you have moved accounts, only from you directly but that wasn't their fault.

Switching accounts not that hard. Other bank is not going to be any better, though.

Bank of Scotland here. I can't say I recommend them.

Switching is pretty easy, so don't be alarmed.

Another vote for Smile here. There should be another thread on this in Money Matters in the fairly recent past, I think.

I switched from First Direct to Smile. Smile handled the switch perfectly, FD fucked it up twice by cancelling my account before I told them to.

HSBC - never had a problem with them.

Know people who have had problems with Barclays, Nat West, Lloyds, and Abbey (now Santander?)

co-op and smile (same thing really). Can't recommend them highly enough. Efficient, friendly (when I rarely contact them), can pay in at the post office, and they tick all the ethical boxes too. What's not to like?

Thanks everyone.

I did think of Smile, but after a quick Google found out that they are currently giving 0% interest on their current accounts.

Perhaps I'll look into the Co-op. They're ethical aren't they? Although, they own Smile, so I hope they haven't abolished interest too...

Can't do HSBC as I'm still holding a grudge over an endowment mortgage 10+ years ago

Is interest rate on a current account really a factor in the decision? Obviously - up to you if it is but how much are you making on your current current account? (If you see what I mean).

The interest rates on current accounts are always appalling. And, TBH, pretty meaningless unless you routinely keep loads of money in there.

I have banked with Smile since I was 16, so the last 16 years! and I cannot fault them, they've really been great

and yes agree that interest rates on current account not really an issue. I have an ISA with them and a savings account, both of which did have good interest rates whn I took them out, although admittedly I don't know how they compare now

oh and DP banks with HSBC/FIrst Direct, so our joint account is with them and they've also been really good too. never had a problem, pleasant to speak to on the phone and always happy to help when we've been juggling money around

Do FD still charge you for having a current account if you only have one account and don't pay £X in a month?

hmmmm that I do not know!

Another one with Smile - moved from Santander and couldnt be happier.

FD do still charge for their current account:

"Banking with first direct usually costs £10 a month, but we'll waive the fee if you pay in at least £1,500 to your 1st Account each month, maintain an average monthly 1st Account balance of £1,500, or hold a selected first direct additional product. Take a look at our interest rates and charges section for more details of other eligible accounts."

I was very happy with FD and a long time customer of theirs (over 10 years) - I had no complaints except for the imposition of this current account.

Here is the thread I was thinking of. I like the ethical banking angle as well.

Thanks tripot, I'll look at that thread.

I do agree with the interest rate issue being negligable - maybe it's the principle! I may need to get down off my high horse...

Been with Bank of Scotland (part of Lloyds Banking Group now) since 1998-banking, savings, credit card and mortgage..never had any issues.

Barclays since I was 8, so 42 years and I find them fine. Quick to rectify things they have done wrong if you point it out to them quickly.

First Direct are wonderful. Best customer service of any big business I've ever dealt with.