Would you recommend your bank? I need to switch current accounts

[MeowCatPleaseMeowBack]

Utterly fed up with Natwest. When the app doesn't work (a frequent occurrence) there is no technical support and customer services can't help because some things can ONLY be done via app and not over the phone.

Can anyone recommend a good bank? I don't mind if things go wrong with tech as long as they provide customer service when it does.

I've been with First Direct for 10+ years with no problems.

Nationwide.

First direct 25 years plus

I've been with First Direct for 30 years and they have always been excellent.

Halifax. Always excellent customer service.

We’ve been Lloyds for over 50 years. Not had issues with app. You do have to accept technology is not infallible though. Changing accounts if you have direct debits etc is a pain too. Good luck with that.

I came on to say I absolutely don't recommend Lloyds, only to see the post above!

Their app does seem pretty reliable TBF, but if you need to change anything else about the account they are a massive pain in the arse. Requiring multiple calls and branch visits. The latter of which always involve a sales pitch

Nationwide

Came on to say not NatWest after current experiences helping my parents.

We are happy with Nationwide.

Chase- great service, savings rate and excellent to use abroad.

Another vote for First Direct.
Can always speak to a person if I need to. Have not experienced any issues with the app.
Banks now have to support with moving DD etc. when moving current accounts, so it's not the pain to move that it once was.

I have looked at switching for the bonus payments you can get now - but to me it isn't worth leaving First Direct - they really are that good!

I've had a current account with Santander for nearly 40 years and have always found them very efficient. I've also got a current account with Nationwide, who are exceptional. I've had accounts with NatWest and HSBC in the past, and had very negative experiences with both, particularly HSBC.

don't have any problems with Santander

Nationwide still make you use a card reader to do basic stuff like setting up new payees. Well sometimes they do and sometimes they don’t - so you have to have one with you just in case. Life is too short for that much hassle trying to move my own money around.

I’ve just switched to starling but I haven’t been with them long enough to know if they’re any good - I’m happy so far. The saving spaces function is really useful

Of all the banks I've had to call over issues, my favourite by far is first direct - I've had someone on the phone for an hour sorting things for me (my own fault) - and not once did they get frustrated or be anything but kind, professional, and helpful.

Santander 123 pretty good to get % cashback on household utility bills.

Chase good to get 1% cashback on first £1500 of spends each month.

I tend to chop and change every couple years to get the offers. Often get up to £100 just to join them.
Loyalty gets you nothing these days - so if that’s their game, I’ll play it too and rinse & repeat the intro deals.
Only takes a mo and direct debit guarantee scheme means they do it all so you don’t have to.

Also I can’t comment on actually speaking to someone, in 20 odd years of internet banking and 10 years of banking apps I’ve never had to a reason to actually speak to them.

Actually on 1 occasion they phoned me to tell me it looked like suspicious activity on my card.
They said they would handle it and block the attempted transaction, just making me aware.
I thanked them.
The end.

Santander I didn't like, as they had a habit of calling me and then wanting to ask security questions. They often sounded confused when I said that I'd call them and then we could go through security questions.

Another vote for First Direct. Easy to use app, 24hr telephone banking that is answered in minutes. They have also won a best customer service award.

First direct. Every time. And they give you cash for swapping to them

I have had a current account with First Direct for 35 years but I seldom use it now.
I have current accounts in many banks (often to get good monthly saving rates).
The one I like best is Chase.
You get cashback on purchases and 1% interest on the C/A. 5.5% on the savings account. They have never messed me about or stopped payments like all the other banks have done. It's great for spending abroad.

I would avoid the Co-op.

I find Santander brilliant. Very good online service. Very quick to sort out issues. Been with them forever.

Plus another for First Direct. Been with them since the early 90's and they've been fabulous.

I also have an account with Starling and they are good too.

Worth a look at this if you'd prefer your bank didn't accelerate the climate crisis:
makemymoneymatter.co.uk/bankswitch/