Best accounts and banks

[bitterandtwist]

My husband and I are awful at being canny with money. Both in pretty reasonable jobs. Manage pretty well but haven't saved since kids (we had build up before them. Cover 3 months if we lost our jobs but nothing more). Kids are 9 and 11.

We have had the same accounts since forever (our joint account is in my maiden name. We've been married 15 years; we both have personal accounts that we've had since 18 so probably there are better ones out there).

I feel we need to 'come together' more financially so we know what's going on. I'm not suspicious - we're just busy. He will be fine with it, but I'll need to lead.

Any suggestions of 'good banks' bank accounts? Or do I just use one of the ones we already have!!?

What do you use your accounts for? Do you use them overseas a lot? How important is internet banking and the APP? Do you save? How important is having a local branch to you?

Great questions!
Not regularly abroad; internet banking vital; local branch is not; we'd like to and aim to save more. Thank you!

Never had any issues with Nationwide.

I've just switched to Virgin Money as they do cash back offers (eg 10% back on Morrisons food shop at the moment!) - I think Santander also do cashback offers and have a switch deal at the moment for £175 cash.

Virgin Money also has a linked saver account when you open a current.