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

89 replies

MeowCatPleaseMeowBack · 02/08/2024 14:46

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.

OP posts:
BeaLola · 02/08/2024 16:51

I have 2 new Banks in the last 2 years - Starling - love it but obviously no high street presence but fab abroad and also having my son have his account linked to it - no problems so far.

The other is Nationwide- chosen to replace my 35+ year Barclays account - have had excellent customer service over phone setting up my ISAs and also no problems using App (sometimes need a reader)

Barclays - after 35 years I left them when they decided to remove my overdraft facility - it was set at £5k - I had never ever been overdrawn but on a "review" they decided to take it away completely. As my wages were paid into this account and concerned that if they were delayed and my direct debits went out I could go overdrawn I asked them to reconsider and grabt ne an overdraft - I spent 30 mins on the phone answering soo many questions and end answered still No ! I oil it right to the top and stated I only wanted a £500 overdraft (at the time I had 28k in the account and never ever overdrawn) and they said I didn't qualify and couldn't have one - I closed my account immediately . Strangle after that I kept Gerri g mail shots asking if I wanted a loan with them - strangely not - wished inn by ad changed to Nationwide and Starling years ago - never had anyt perks with Barclays - with Nationwide I got £100 this year . I get reasonable interest on Starling too.

BIWI · 02/08/2024 16:52

I've also been with first direct since they set up in 1989 and have not once had an issue with them. They are unfailingly polite and helpful on the phone.

ThePoshUns · 02/08/2024 17:11

Santander, been with them for 30 odd years, never had any problems.

whirlyhead · 02/08/2024 17:25

Definitely not Starling after they froze my accounts for several months for no good reason then didn't bother apologising!! Plus their interest rates are rubbish.

Monzo, Revolut, First Direct and Wise have all been good. I like the way Wise has multi currency accounts which can be useful when on holiday, and also for sending money to people over seas. My Monzo pot has a good interest rate on it - about 4%. Revolut give you lots of perks with your account which I like (free access to Headspace app etc) and also have multi currency accounts.

Lucyloosimpson · 02/08/2024 17:36

I use santander for bills, payments in.
I use chase for everyday spending.

No problem with either.

Glo1988 · 02/08/2024 17:39

Monzo!! Amazing customer service and accessibility. Handles all savings, investments, travel and phone insurance and soon even pensions. No branches but excellent customer service by phone or app and you can pay cash and cheques in at bank.

HazelWicker · 02/08/2024 17:40

First direct are great. Rung up as can't make a mortgage overpayment (fraud flag on my card I think) and straight through to talk to somebody. Very thorough process. A bit annoying tbh but what you want when you're spending £££!

whiteroseredrose · 02/08/2024 18:28

I've been with First Direct for 25 years and also recently opened a Nationwide account (for the travel insurance).

Both are great. You can phone First Direct whenever you want and speak to a person immediately, or you can use the App.

Nationwide were a bit clunky with a card reader but that has now gone.

Winky2024 · 02/08/2024 18:54

Without a doubt First Direct - fantastic customer service.

SharonEllis · 02/08/2024 19:00

Nationwide over 25 yrs, mortgage, savings, current account. Excellent customer service, members benefits and its a mutual.

wasthesummerof69 · 02/08/2024 19:03

Also been with First Direct for about 30 years- excellent

SwedishEdith · 02/08/2024 19:04

I've had a Barclays account for over 40 years and inertia stops me changing. I really like the app, they've acted quickly over any suspected fraud but you get no perks. They're removing the Blue Awards feature in September.

Otherwise, love Monzo and Starling. Both set up for foreign travel but love that they have decent interest rates as well and user friendly apps.

Marmite27 · 02/08/2024 19:12

first direct win awards for their customer service. I bank with them but never speak to them on the phone.

I also have HSBC accounts, I never need to speak to them either.

HSBC is the parent company of FD and they run their app off the same platform so they’re very similar.

ShanequaAndWhat · 02/08/2024 21:46

I change banks all the time and here is what I've learnt.

NatWest don't update the available balance or pending a sit happens so if you go crazy, it can get you in trouble. Otherwise great bank. I once bought a car and asked for help doing the transfer and a few days later got a bottle of Prosecco in the post saying congrats on the new car. Warms my heart every time I think of that.

First direct don't have pop ups on your phone when your card is used for all transactions so you're open to fraud without realising if you don't check daily. I think it does work apply pay but not the actual card. I got round this by receiving text messages the following day of all spends but they've stopped this service. In addition, and this is the biggest issue, I had a saving and spending account but when my spending account ran out it would let me spend from one card but take it from the other so I'd later find out I'd spent money I wasn't supposed to. UK based customer service that was fantastic.

Currently with nationwide. Got £200 for this. No issues with this bank now I have allowed Face ID instead of needing the little code generator. Pain in the arse.

I used chase for the cash back and it was also great, really easy and good customer service.

ShanequaAndWhat · 02/08/2024 21:48

DP is with Barclays and has been forever. He would never leave as really rates them.

Champagnebar · 02/08/2024 21:50

AuntieMarys · 02/08/2024 14:51

First direct 25 years plus

Same - no negatives at all

BiscuityBoyle · 02/08/2024 21:53

Nationwide here. I switched to them about 15 years ago and have been really happy. I think they do a ‘recommend a friend’ scheme so feel free to hit me up if you want.

xyz111 · 02/08/2024 22:00

I'm with HSBC. The app is really easy to use and quick to transfer money between accounts, pay other people etc.

PortiasBiscuit · 02/08/2024 22:09

Avoid HSBC, their mobile banking is crap and it is impossible to get hold of anyone if you lose a card or are robbed/ scammed.

Hohofortherobbers · 02/08/2024 22:22

First direct, customer service is great and I like the app

tribalmango · 02/08/2024 22:31

I switched from NatWest after over 30 years to First Direct.
NatWest were becoming more and more useless.
The current account switch worked very well and I wish I'd done it sooner.

MidLifeMayhem · 02/08/2024 22:48

I’m with NatWest and use the App everyday, never had any issues so not sure what is happening that you are experiencing so many problems. Contacted the call centre re my father in law passing and service was first class.

Mum2GirlSs · 02/08/2024 23:00

I left NatWest and moved to Nationwide about 2 months ago - had 0 problems with them; can't believe I didn't move sooner!

DeadbeatYoda · 02/08/2024 23:10

I really like Starling; they have been so innovative. A few banks are emulating their app features now but I'm happy staying with them.

notagdfriend · 02/08/2024 23:41

Halifax, app is easy to use, as is online and telephone banking. Lots of branches still about. Decent interest on isas