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Original poster

would anyone recommend the bank that they use?

87 replies

MaMaLa321 · 19/08/2021 16:44

I getting really fed up with the (low) level of customer service offered by the HSBC. I'm put off moving because I assume that all banks are the same, but would anyone recommend a bank? One where I could ring up and speak to a human being?

OP posts:
insancerre · 19/08/2021 18:58

Been with NatWest since 1987
Never had any problems

stillcrazyafterall · 19/08/2021 19:02

First Direct here too. Superb.

Rayna37 · 19/08/2021 19:05

Triodes- ethical banking, their UK base is in Bristol and they've been great when I've spoken to them a couple of times while setting up my account.

BIWI · 19/08/2021 19:08

This is the second thread today asking for bank recommendations! As PP have said - definitely first direct. I've been with them for over 30 years and they have always been fantastic to deal with.

LizzieSiddal · 19/08/2021 19:13

Nationwide are brilliant especially as they have promised not to close any branches. They’re often the only “bank” open in many small towns now as all the other banks have closed down. I’ve been with them for 30 years, as they are a Building Society they aren’t in it for their shareholders but for their customers.

LunaFortuna · 19/08/2021 19:14

@Rayna37

Triodes- ethical banking, their UK base is in Bristol and they've been great when I've spoken to them a couple of times while setting up my account.
Are they easy to get through to? I was thinking about swapping over to them as the Co-op are doing my head in!
Peterbear · 19/08/2021 19:15

I have had endless nightmares with First Direct. Used to be great but terrible now - endless wait times and don't ever try to contact the complaints team. Absolute crap.used to be great but new CEO wants everyone one the app not phone banking apparently.

acatcalledjohn · 19/08/2021 19:17

Starling. I liked First Direct (I know they are HSBC owned), but the app and ease of banking with Starling is superior.

Managing my money has become a breeze with Starling. Excellent bank, excellent customer service.

acatcalledjohn · 19/08/2021 19:18

To add: Starling is female owned too, which is pretty amazing in a male dominated world.

theemmadilemma · 19/08/2021 19:19

First Direct. I noticed the phone wait was a bit longer but I rarely need to call and they're just so easy to deal with rather than remembering my cousins aunties pay day just to speak a human.

BeyondMyWits · 19/08/2021 19:19

Happy with Lloyd's. Moved from natwest 30 years ago when they lost my student grant cheque and tried to charge me interest whilst they sorted out their mistake.

HundredMilesAnHour · 19/08/2021 19:20

I work in the industry. Nationwide or First Direct or Starling.

Don't go anywhere near Barclays. Not even if your life depends on it.

RolloTomassi · 19/08/2021 19:21

First Direct. You phone up, it goes ring ring, then you have a human ready to talk to you. Even over Christmas!

I was recommended to it and would never look back. They did a referral scheme where I got £50 and the person recommending got £100 (or something like that, don't know if it's still on). Worth it for that alone, surely!

TartanBonnet · 19/08/2021 19:24

Used to LOVE first direct but they are not a patch on Monzo!

It's all done by app, no banks. Def the way of banking in the future. I can not recommend them enough.

BunnyRuddington · 19/08/2021 19:24

I'm with Starling. They've been brilliant so far.

FawnDrench · 19/08/2021 19:25

Very happy with Lloyds online banking and the app is excellent.

mulberrybag · 19/08/2021 19:48

Starling, as pp said - female owned and so incredibly easy to use. Have a child account that can be linked to your app so you can keep an eye on spends etc. just really superior to any other experience I've had before

TheCanyon · 19/08/2021 19:50

I love nationwide, never had an issue with them unlike Natwest who were constantly down. You can call and speak to someone in minutes.

Sharpkat · 19/08/2021 19:53

Another vote for First Direct. Been with them for so many years. Probably nearly 20. Cannot fault them. Yes, wait times on the phone are a bit longer at the moment but not excessive at all.

HazyDaisy123456 · 19/08/2021 19:53

Yes, wholeheartedly. First Direct have been with them over 20 years and have never had a problem with them. I can’t fault them at all.

Disfordarkchocolate · 19/08/2021 19:54

First Direct. Fantastic.

Family are happy with Monza.

beenrumbled · 19/08/2021 19:55

First direct

smokeyjoes · 19/08/2021 19:55

Love Lloyd's / Halifax
App is excellent v good features
Fraud dept excellent too

itsmschanandlerbong · 19/08/2021 19:55

First Direct or Starling.

Etulosba · 19/08/2021 20:04

I've been with Barclays for over 40 years and have absolutely no complaints. They saved me a fortune on my mortgage.

I also have a Starling bank account. It's very good, but doesn't offer the breadth of services that Barclays do.