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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:
Fishlegs · 29/09/2022 13:27

I changed from first direct to co-op for ethical reasons, and have been dismayed by the app. I’ve now got a Starling account, it’s brilliant.

Surtsey · 29/09/2022 13:28

Personal accounts - all the ones I've tried are awful. When it comes to business accounts, I would recommend HSBC.

lickenchugget · 29/09/2022 13:30

First direct/HSBC, but use Amex to day to day for everything and just the bank for the few places which don’t accept Amex, and direct debits etc. Amex customer service is second to none.

CloudPop · 29/09/2022 13:31

Totally agree re Amex. They are excellent

bloodywhitecat · 29/09/2022 13:35

Lloyds have always been on the ball for me, they recently picked up on a fraudulent transaction and put stop to it, I do have to verify some purchases when shopping online via the app and I do have to chip and pin every 10th or so transaction in the shops but I have never had the card blocked like you have.

Womble75 · 29/09/2022 13:36

Starling 💯
Never had issues and live chat is brilliant.
Defected to them from HSBC and whole process was painless and very easy.

Hakunamatata91 · 29/09/2022 13:42

Monroe are great. If you're in Scotland, I actually had pretty positive experiences with RBS as well.

Hakunamatata91 · 29/09/2022 13:43

*Monzo, sorry, autocorrect!

Babyitstimetomoveon · 29/09/2022 13:59

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. 😍

👏

Love this! Well done Halifax

waterlego · 29/09/2022 14:01

I’ve been with First Direct for a good few years and they haven’t annoyed me yet. Also easy to get through to on the phone on the rare occasions I’ve needed to speak to them.

uggmum · 29/09/2022 14:51

I bank with first direct and Monzo.
Fd switched from visa to Mastercard recently and I have had a few occasions where my card wouldn't work.

However, they have an excellent phone service.

I have never had an issue with my Monzo card. But you cannot speak to them over the phone.

Monzo ensure all transactions go through for instant authorisation so if you don't have the available funds the transaction will be declined.

Fd on occasions would allow the transaction to go through and your balance isn't always up to date
For example, transactions on a Saturday wouldn't reflect on your actual balance until Tuesday

Rotherweird · 29/09/2022 17:02

i have Monzo and Starling - both are great.
also left Smile after many loyal years

JerkintheMerkin · 29/09/2022 17:16

First Direct are brilliant. Been with them since 1994.

dotty636 · 29/09/2022 17:36

Monzo !!

loubielou31 · 29/09/2022 17:51

We have a nationwide account, I like the fact that they are a mutual, so have a similar ethos to a co-op. We have their paid account because the benefits work for us. They have been great for us.
I am however off to Google Starling because so many people have recommended them on this thread.

Original poster
Jane054848 · 29/09/2022 18:26

Thank you so much everyone. Loads of great tips. It sounds like this is specific to Smile so I will definitely move. Thanks again, super helpful!

OP posts:
whirlyhead · 29/09/2022 21:35

Another vote for starling and Monzo. First direct are part of HSBC so are morally dubious I always think.

userxx · 29/09/2022 21:36

dotty636 · 29/09/2022 17:36

Monzo !!

Love it.

Riverbiscuits · 29/09/2022 21:37

First direct, moved to them from Halifax and never looked back. And they usually pay you to join.

OxanaVorontsova · 29/09/2022 21:38

First direct and Monzo

Exasperatednow · 29/09/2022 21:40

Starling by a country mile.

Jarstastic · 30/09/2022 08:24

Lloyds have been great for me. there is security but very easy and doesn’t impact on time.

Got our joint account with Santander and so many mildly annoying things eg can’t search past transactions by a word, if I transfer from one joint account to another it says the money was from me only and vice versa if DH’s online log in.

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 30/09/2022 08:40

I've been with HSBC about 25 years and never had problems. Also use Monzo and that helps me keep track of spending

Kumri · 30/09/2022 09:33

I’m with Lloyds and haven’t had any particularly annoying problems (so far!) they don’t block transactions like you describe but perhaps my transaction profile looks boring. I would recommend Lloyds.

My DH is with HSBC and has struggled with normal business activities apparently looking dodgy to HSBC. When he moved jobs and had to transfer money (buying shares) HSBC even tried to convince him that he was being hired by a fake company 🤣 it’s a very famous company but not to the call centre chap in India on the phone who did not understand at all about buying shares.

sleepwhenidie · 30/09/2022 09:39

First Direct