Need to switch banks - any recommendations?

[SleepingLion]

Have just spent a very stressful evening trying to sort out an almighty screw-up by our bank (without outing the one we're with, let's just say their response has been shabby ).

I just don't trust them to handle our finances with any competence any more and don't want to be constantly on tenterhooks waiting for the next shock in the post (today's little surprise was that a cheque written for x hundred pounds to pay our credit card bill was bounced by the bank because someone had transcribed the amount as x thousand pounds )

Can anyone particularly recommend their bank?

We just left Natwest for First Direct and it went very smoothly, they did all the D/D transfers. They are pretty good whenever I've phoned up, quite informed and professional.

Natwest were rubbish, I got my card refused on several occasions and the excuse was that the call centre for authorisation was busy. And whenever I went in to my local branch they would comment on my balance and if I drew money out would say things like 'oooh, are you going shopping?'. And I don't like Barclays either, I found their admin is appalling.

first direct

Another vote for first direct - been with them for donkeys years and always happy to recommend

First direct here too. Been with them for 17 years.

yes, first direct here too

I'm with Smile and have always been very pleased with them.

first direct

SMile/Co-operative Bank.

Fab!

(and ethical)

Wow - lots of votes for First Direct! Just having a browse of their website - thank you for recommendations!

first direct

first direct

oh and if you're unsure FIRST DIRECT

there's £100 switching bonus at the moment too...

Smile!

Barclays have been excellent in our experience for business and personal banking (I think they take you more seriously if you have a business account). Looks like you have a recommendation though!

Run a mile from Lloyds TSB and Natwest if they're not already the ones you're running from.

First Direct but watch out for their new fees around 'arranging' overdrafts... I just got stung and had to have a battle with them. Generally love them though.

Barclays are horrendous and HSBC equally so and their call centre a nightmare so no help, but isn't FD part of HSBC?

HSBc and Barclays. Have already ran away from natwest....

first direct - hated HSBC but FD (even though part of HSBC) have been brilliant!

FD are part of HSBC - I used the HSBC over-the-counter service and it was out of the ark, filling in the old paying in slips! But a small price to pay, it seems, for the overall marvelousness of FD.

FD are fantastic