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Original poster

Awful issues with our bank - which bank would you recommend

65 replies

RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:31

Our bank is AWFUL and we need to change

DH thinks it will be a hassle as we have standing orders and Direct Debits etc set up on the account, but i do not want to stay with them a minute longer than we have to

so, we need a bank that won't freeze our account over a weekend, leaving us without access to our money, or allow fraudsters plenty of access to our account either

(plus a reasonable overdraft limit, and good interest rate when we are in credit)

TIA

OP posts:
Sunshinemummy · 15/04/2008 12:33

I'm with First Direct and have found them really good. Most banks will facilitate the transfer of DDs for you now as they are all keen to attract new customers.

hecate · 15/04/2008 12:33

I bet you're with lloyds tsb!
or Barclays.

hell, they're all bastards!

I find nationwide to be slightly less twatish. It is only slightly though.

frogs · 15/04/2008 12:34

Nationwide. I like them.

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:35

hecate - HAHAHA - we are with Nationwide

yes, they are all bastards, but some MUST be less bastardly than others

First Direct - they aren't internet only are they - i like being able to go to a branch i need to

OP posts:
NorthernLurker · 15/04/2008 12:35

we have always been very happy with HSBC. Dh swapped to them after Natwest did tow bad things in a month - think it was very easy actually.

MrsBoo · 15/04/2008 12:35

I moved to First Direct about a year ago - they were really easy to switch to - and it was very straightforward. So far I have had no problems and would recommend them.

hertsnessex · 15/04/2008 12:36

i hateb hsbc and we are with lloyds. but i think they are all pretty much alike.

LadySanders · 15/04/2008 12:36

totally recommend first direct, been with them for 10 years and always incredibly helpful

Twiglett · 15/04/2008 12:36

first direct

MrsBoo · 15/04/2008 12:36

There is no branch, thats what i love. cant stand all those bank officials.
Its all internet or telephone - and so brill

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:36

so, the bank you are swapping to does all the hard work for you in terms of swapping DDs etc

NL - SIL banks with HSBC and she rates them too

OP posts:
Dottydot · 15/04/2008 12:37

I'd also recommend First Direct - you can use HSBC banks to pay into etc., but their customer service is really good and they took me on when no-one else would!

franke · 15/04/2008 12:37

I've been with First Direct for donkeys. Yes, they are internet only, but you can do over the counter stuff at any branch of HSBC with whom they are affiliated.

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:37

first direct seems to be a clear favourite

OP posts:
phatcat · 15/04/2008 12:38

I switched to Bank of Scotland / Halifax a couple of years ago - all went very smoothly - they did most of the paperwork - I think this is standard. Not had any issues so far and the internet banking is straightforward to access and manage. You could also take a look on the Money Saving Expert site and see if there are any reccos / avoids there. I don't rate the Co-operative Bank much - I have a cashback credit card with them and always have issues getting the cashback - their customer service is not particularly responsive unless you really hassle I find.

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:38

Franke - good tip re over the counter stuff at HSBC

i find being able to go into a branch if i need to, very reassuring

OP posts:
fuzzywuzzy · 15/04/2008 12:39

whichever bank you switch to will very easily take over all standing orders and direct debits your request, you wont have to set them all up again individually.

hecate · 15/04/2008 12:39

HAHA! Typical! DON'T go to Lloyds TSB. they are the biggest bastards around!

micci25 · 15/04/2008 12:40

i am with lloydstsb who i hate but as i have moved house toom often i cant get another bank account as i am classed as high risk!!!

my mum and dp are both with halifax and they are really happy with them dp wont go anyhwere else for anything

micci25 · 15/04/2008 12:40

i am with lloydstsb who i hate but as i have moved house toom often i cant get another bank account as i am classed as high risk!!!

my mum and dp are both with halifax and they are really happy with them dp wont go anyhwere else for anything

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:40
OP posts:
QueenMeabhOfConnaught · 15/04/2008 12:41

I would recommend First Direct too but bear in mind you get NO interest on their current account and you must pay £1,500pm into the account to avoid the £10pm charge. The only other way to avoid the charge is to have a savings account with them (but there is no minimum amount) or a loan or credit card with them.

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:41

micci - why are you classed as high risk?

I have moved 4 times in 6 years ...

OP posts:
Sunshinemummy · 15/04/2008 12:41

RS yes you can receive full counter service at HSBC if with FD. Also any bank worth their salt these days will help you move - if they don't I would question their customer service.

I've been with FD for 14 years and they've been great. I also worked for them for a while and know how hard they work at providing a good customer service. I'd recommend them any day.

Original poster
RubySlippers · 15/04/2008 12:42

thanks Queen about the tip re the monthly charge ...

no interest on a current account is very miserly IMO

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