Banks, which one?
Author
Discussion

wolf1

Original Poster:

3,097 posts

279 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Time to change banks as Barclays have lost my trust with constantly changing the set dates for standing orders to the point that I have had to do it manually for the past six months to ensure the money is transferred correctly.
Anyone got any recommendations? All I'm after is a standard current account with debit card and internet banking. I'm not after any extra gizzits or services attached to the account just a plain and simple account that doesn't cost to have etc. Yes I know I could just walk into any bank and open an account but seeing as I have no experience of any of them I turn to the all knowing PH wealth of knowledge. A bonus would be one I could apply for online (do they do that these days?)

robmug

1,047 posts

292 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
First Direct - no question.

jimmyb

12,254 posts

245 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
hsbc seem to be the best of the bunch.

Captain Volvo

204 posts

228 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Same question comes up regularly - answer is always first direct.

I like them too - they pay my wages............


Z4monster

1,442 posts

289 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
FD for me too! Never had any problems with them doing something they shouldn't and their phone staff are the best i've ever spoken to. Counter service via HSBC branches for paying in. Everything else via PC or phone. Superb.

moles

1,858 posts

273 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
HSBC.

R5GTTGAZ

7,897 posts

249 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
First DIrect

northandy

3,539 posts

250 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
robmug said:
First Direct - no question.
Yep, First Direct here too, would definately recommend... cracking customer service, been with them about 12 years now.

Plus sign up for a current account now and they give you £100, if you decide later they are rubbish they will give you another £100 when you leave.

Wings

5,966 posts

244 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
First Direct, been with them for over 15 years. Banking 24/7 365 days of the year, just brilliant.

wobert

5,571 posts

251 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Another First Direct customer here, been with them since they started - as others have said their telephone advisers are top notch - and everything bar paying in is done via the phone or 'net. They also have an IFA arm which also does investments etc over the phone too.

In another life I'm the Treasurer of a local charity who hold accounts with Barclays - they're an absolute nightmare to deal with - I had to request a mandate chage pack 4 (FOUR!) times before one arrived in the post - hopeless!

Killer2005

20,581 posts

257 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
HSBC

Been with them for 13 years and never had a problem with them

V8mate

45,899 posts

218 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Co-operative Bank.

No flash, just the kind of banking most people need and they have managed to stay well under the radar during all the financial shenanigans (in fact, they even bought one of the floundering institutions)

nottyash

4,671 posts

224 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
robmug said:
First Direct - no question.
X2

wolf1

Original Poster:

3,097 posts

279 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice chaps. Looks like a landslide for FD then. Just filled in their online application so hopefully no more bank woes for me thumbup

MrP80

312 posts

229 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Another for First Direct. Can actually speak to someone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, always willing to help.

Wouldn't hesitate for a second in recommending them

Mr Trophy

6,811 posts

232 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
robmug said:
First Direct - no question.
I notice they you can't open an account with them if you don't get £1,500 per month?

markoos

130 posts

213 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
Mr Trophy said:
I notice they you can't open an account with them if you don't get £1,500 per month?
"Open a 1st Account and transfer your salary/income of at least £1500 within 3 months and we will add £100 to your account."

It seems yes, you can open one with less. But to qualify for free banking you should have an average monthly balance of £1500, otherwise you'll be charged £10 per month:

"Banking with first direct usually costs £10 a month, but it's free when you pay in at least £1,500 to your 1st Account each month, or maintain an average monthly 1st Account balance of £1,500..."

mitzy

13,858 posts

226 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
HSBC or First Direct



Job Done

TVC

110 posts

216 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
V8mate said:
Co-operative Bank.

No flash, just the kind of banking most people need and they have managed to stay well under the radar during all the financial shenanigans (in fact, they even bought one of the floundering institutions)
thumbup

Published ethical policy too (if you're into that kind of thing).


wobert

5,571 posts

251 months

Tuesday 3rd February 2009
quotequote all
markoos said:
Mr Trophy said:
I notice they you can't open an account with them if you don't get £1,500 per month?
"Open a 1st Account and transfer your salary/income of at least £1500 within 3 months and we will add £100 to your account."

It seems yes, you can open one with less. But to qualify for free banking you should have an average monthly balance of £1500, otherwise you'll be charged £10 per month:

"Banking with first direct usually costs £10 a month, but it's free when you pay in at least £1,500 to your 1st Account each month, or maintain an average monthly 1st Account balance of £1,500..."
Also free if you have one of their credit cards or open a savings account with them.