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

[Jane054848]

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?

Starling, bloody brilliant, I have used many banks and they are so much better than the traditional banks. So easy to deal with and helpful.

As an example:

Some of my older accounts are such a hassle that after more than a decade of marriage I have never managed to change my name. When I received a cheque made out in my maiden name the easiest way to deal with it turned out to be a quick message to starling rather than going back to the bank that issued the cheque or paying it into the bank account still in my maiden name. They took a copy of my marriage certificate via the app then I was able to pay the cheque in as usual without visiting a physical bank.

First direct - been with them since their conception and would never move, they are brilliant!

seconding starling, truly amazing and the app has loads of cool features such as sectioning off your money for bills, saving etc etc. makes everything a doddle. Just don't understand why other banks don't do that !!!

I'm with triodos, never had any issue so far it's lovely. £3 a month fee but they are ethical and environmentally friendly and doing lots of good stuff so I'm happy to pay

I have accounts with First Direct and Monzo. The problem with Monzo is you cannot pay cash in for free (get charged £1 to use paypoint) and cheques need to be posted to them.
First Direct, you can use the post office or HSBC as a branch for paying in.

PS I have both first direct and starling accounts, starling is my preference out of the two. I do like that first direct's phone service is immediate answer, usually speaking to a native english speaker and that does make things easy,. But for starling their app is streets ahead. Not used their customer service yet but going by on the app it is bound to be top class. The other great thing about starling is no fees if you use debit card abroad (most countries) nor foreign cash machine fees.

I have accounts with Halifax and Nationwide. Both have been good whenever I’ve needed to speak to someone.

Out of the 2 I would say Halifax are better plus their app is much better

I'm with Barclays. Never have a problem.

Yes. Monzo is great. So long as you do
everything electronically.

If an elderly relative sends the kids a cheque, it’s a total pain in the arse.

I never have cash to pay in, but the entire bank is clearly intended for people who
don’t use cash.

I've been with Barclays for 30 years plus and have never yet had a problem.

DH and I have a joint Starling Account and I also can't fault them either.

First direct, love 'em!

To those above saying they don't like their app: why?

Been with first direct, as has DH since they started, love them and so easy to use, and get help if needed. However child 3 has been awakening me to the ethical issues surrounding them so very sadly looking for an alternative, may go for Starling. We used to use co-op a million yers ago when i was at uni but they were pretty shit even then tbh

We had a Virgin One account that combined our mortgage and current account. It was cutting edge when we started with it, with excellent customer service. However it was taken over by RBS, who discontinued it, so at the end of the term last year, we had to move. Wanted a simple joint account. Tried First Direct, completed application form. After 4 weeks had heard nothing, phoned up, half and hour wait. Spoke to someone who couldn't find the application, said they would call back the next day but didn't. Phoned them back, another half an hour wait to be told they had found our application but as it was a joint account it would take a few more days before they would get to look at it. Told them to cancel the application, Went to Starling, account set up in 30 mins, and as others have said, it is excellent.

Starling doesn't use cheques, but you can pay cheques in by photographing the cheque for low amounts, or pay in at the post office for larger amounts.

Starling or nationwide.

Monzo have good ratings but I'm not with them.

Glad to see I'm on trend - Starling and First Direct!

I’ve been recently dealing with lots of banks as part of handling my late mother’s affairs and by far the best were Yorkshire Bank and Nationwide. So helpful.

@CloudPop -I’ve been with First Direct for about 25 years and they always used to be brilliant. However, recently they’ve gone downhill- they’ve outsourced their fraud dept abroad and I’m thinking of leaving.

First direct.

I don't get the love for First Direct. I've been with them for over 25 years and they used to be great, but I think they've been awful for about the last 8, for a number of reasons. Am just too enmeshed to move.