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Original poster

Is there a bank which isn't annoying and awful?

70 replies

Jane054848 · 29/09/2022 10:50

I've been with Smile/Co-op bank for many years and they used to be great - but the last year or so, they constantly stop transactions and block my card because of "fraud risk". A lot of the time they don't even tell me they've done it. Then I have to spend ages waiting to talk to someone to get it unblocked. There's no particular reason for this that I know of (haven't been the victim of a big fraud or anything like that). The blocks happen for anything - the online supermarket shop, a flight, a holiday apartment, any random purchase.

Is there any point moving banks? Or are they all like this now?

OP posts:
LittleLlama · 29/09/2022 11:30

I am with Lloyds Bank, but use my revolut card for day-to-day spending (for security and budgeting ease). I often have to confirm the payment on my phone with revolut - but that only takes a minute. I think because of increasing problems with fraud all banks are being more cautious.

Yupsuuuure · 29/09/2022 11:37

I'm with starling. They're absolutely brilliant. So easy to use and their app is great for tracking your money.

CloudPop · 29/09/2022 12:25

First direct are pretty good. I agree with you re smile, such a shame as they used to be great

Cheeselog · 29/09/2022 12:32

LittleLlama · 29/09/2022 11:30

I am with Lloyds Bank, but use my revolut card for day-to-day spending (for security and budgeting ease). I often have to confirm the payment on my phone with revolut - but that only takes a minute. I think because of increasing problems with fraud all banks are being more cautious.

Revolut isn’t a bank though, so not a substitute if OP is looking to switch.

I’ve used a lot of banks/BS over the years and never had issues with Halifax, Triodos or Nationwide although I found the latter a bit annoying with the code device thing. I wouldn’t recommend HSBC and I did have a phase with Santander of having the same issue as you.

Username917778 · 29/09/2022 12:39

I've been with first direct for a number of years now and really happy. They are very quick on the phone and very helpful.

dutyfirstselfsecond · 29/09/2022 12:39

First Direct

KleineDracheKokosnuss · 29/09/2022 12:40

I like first direct. Lloyds have been good over time too. Avoid NatWest.

blackberrybat · 29/09/2022 12:40

Another vote for First Direct!

BitOutOfPractice · 29/09/2022 12:41

Starling!

mynameiscalypso · 29/09/2022 12:42

Starling

NightmareSlashDelightful · 29/09/2022 12:44

First Direct or Monzo

BreastedBoobilyToTheStairs · 29/09/2022 12:44

And another for first direct! Lloyds aren't too bad either, but I've never had any notable issues with FD and on the couple of occasions I've had to call up the staff were really friendly and helpful, and answered promptly.

Unlike my experiences with NatWest...

AuntieMarys · 29/09/2022 12:45

First direct. Been with them 25 years

canyouextrapol · 29/09/2022 12:45

First direct. You can prob get some cash back for moving too.

Freddiefan · 29/09/2022 12:46

First Direct. I had a third party mandate on my daughter's account while she was travelling. She had a problem and a lovely lady sorted it out. She started off by saying 'Ee, you'd think by that age you could stop worrying about her!'.

EnglishGirlApproximately · 29/09/2022 12:46

Starling for me too - app is very user friendly. Lots if security checks on transactions but takes seconds in the app. Can use abroad with no fees, DS account linked to mine, savings spaces etc. Its really helped me getbon top of my finances.

CollieWobble22 · 29/09/2022 12:51

I'm with Starling and love it

However kudos for Halifax for listening to the fact I'm autistic and that I can't stand fluctuating hold music / volume changes and white noise so when I call up I'm prioritised. 😍

👏

Icedlatteplease · 29/09/2022 12:54

HSBC (although I dont have a CC with them just current account debit card and savings., Halifax clarity, Tesco Bank CC (although they may on occasion ask you to open the app on your phone to authorise)

welshpolarbear · 29/09/2022 12:55

Starling.

Miajk · 29/09/2022 12:59

CloudPop · 29/09/2022 12:25

First direct are pretty good. I agree with you re smile, such a shame as they used to be great

Another vote for first direct. Excellent phone customer service, but also easily able to do everythin on line. Interest free overdraft, decent savings accounts. Great bank!

KnickerlessParsons · 29/09/2022 13:02

First Direct every time. They are a fab bank.

OldEvilOwl · 29/09/2022 13:03

I'm with Co-op and never had any issues at all

BecauseICan22 · 29/09/2022 13:11

Starling.

You'll never look back.

Pinkandpurplehairedlady · 29/09/2022 13:13

Another vote for Starling. Love the app and purchases are quick to approve on my phone. I also have a Monzo account and like that too.

Notsolarge · 29/09/2022 13:25

Hi OP! I had the same with Smile . I had been with them nearly 15 years. Joined due to their ethical policy and liked the fact they were online. But, the last 2-3 years have been absolutely awful particularly with their app being down/unavailable - no good for an internet bank! I’d had enough and have just swapped to First Direct (HSBC) found they would pay me £175 for a switch and I used the current account switch service which has been excellent. They even transferred my payees and also forwarded money sent to my old smile account to my new account. The online banking was a bit of a pain to set up with lots of codes and 2nd security checks etc but that’s now done and i’m happy so far. Their help seems good so far and I can pay money in/withdraw cash the same way as with smile which means I can do this at my village post office. Good luck in your quest to find a new bank.