Which bank is best (question for a foreigner)

[Mobsta]

Mate just moved to the UK, is living in London (and will be moving again in a few months, he doesnt know where in London) and wants to know which bank is best.

I honestly have no advice to give him, other than Natwest seem to have won a great many morgage type service awards, he wont be business banking and doesnt live in a town like me...

Is there a better bank these days, or are they all much of a muchness (which is my guess. Unless you have a local, and fit birds in it like my Lloyds branch does!).

Thoughts? Or should he just join whichever is closest to his current home?

[Justayellowbadge]

Coutts.

[Use Psychology]

i know a private bank but they are so secret i am not even allowed to write their name. you need to be 'introduced' sorry.

[matc]

In reality they are all much of a muchness, some have better online facilties than others, so may be worth taking that into consideration. First Direct seem to have a pretty good reputation amongst most on here.

[soad]

HSBC or NatWest should be sufficient

[sinizter]

soad said:

HSBC or NatWest should be sufficient

NatWest gets my vote.

[IanA2]

I flitted from bank to bank for twenty two years, they were all terrible. After twenty two years I found First Direct. That was twenty years ago. They really are very good.

[Mobsta]

Justayellowbadge said:

Coutts.

I'll put that at number 1 on the list then...

[chrisxr2]

None. Nationwide is the best bet. Building society so customers are what matters not shareholders.

[mcflurry]

chrisxr2 said:

None. Nationwide is the best bet. Building society so customers are what matters not shareholders.

How long does it take to apply cash onto your account?

[mcflurry]

I would go for the nearest to work / home. Any issues and it's easier to deal face to face.
Once you have built up a decent history then move to the bestest / cheapest / shiny-ist IMHO

[zaphod42]

I've found Natwest very good in recent years. Even better if you can get Private.

[pokethepope]

Natwest have been good for me, and the online banking is very good - I don't think I've been into a bank for a year. It also only needs a customer number and password to log in, my flatmates bank (i forget which) needs that little electronic card reader just to log in, so you can only do it at home with the reader and card handy.

[Burrow01]

First Direct

[p4cks]

Another thumbs up for First Direct.