Which Bank for Current Account?

[AudiSport]

I bank with Barclays, my wife with HSBC. Each month we both get paid into our respective bank accounts, however we are looking to open a new joint account, that all bills, mortgage payments etc will come out from each month. Any recommendations for which bank to use? Our mortgage is with Lloyds.

From a perks or benefits point of view, I’m keen on airport lounge access, along with breakdown cover and travel insurance.

Thanks

[CrgT16]

For an account for bills I would go with a free one from any bank. No point getting a premium account for that type of thing I think.

[funinhounslow]

For a basic “workhorse” current account I’d consider First Direct for the sole reason that they have a 24/7 UK based call centre. When you ring it you’re straight through to a “real person” who can help you. No faffing with sub menus or live chat or anything.

I rarely need to call them these days but it’s handy to know the option’s there

Their app is dated by todays standards but is simple and clear.

[Mr Whippy]

I’m quite enjoying the Starling app/accounts, but using as a side-line/business for now.

Not sure how good customer service might be.

Also the fact they don’t have rolling balance in the screen is annoying as you can’t easily see how much money you had, only what you have and have spent.

But you can easily see PDF/CSV statements with proper balance and transactions.


I’m increasingly tempted to move either our joint or my personal current acct from HSBC to them.

[the-norseman]

OP Barclays offer all of this as packs.

I have travel pack plus (breakdown insurance, travel insurance and lounge access) and tech pack which covers devices.

[The Leaper]

Wife and I have had a joint account for near on 60 years with Barclays. No problems with this at all.

The Barclays app is fine for all we need it for.

Barclays offers various types of account. For no fees there's no add ons, but for a fee you can get all that you are looking for. We have a version where annual travel insurance is £12.50 per month for the two of us (cover ceases at age 80), and we have breakdown cover for free, and there's no fee.

I think that if you want lounge access for free you'll be paying a fee to your bank wherever you bank; I could be wrong about this. Lounge access charges are particularly cheap per visit. We get such access via BA anyway, but that's another subject.

R.

[fat80b]

First direct typically come out top of most customer satisfaction surveys.

We use FD as our joint a/c and I’ve no complaints.

Another option would be the Santander 123 to get the various cash back on bills etc

[lizardbrain]

We have a starling joint account which we
are very happy with.

I prefer to keep main accounts with older banks with wider service offering.

[Sir Bagalot]

What's more important?

a/ Perks or benefits like airport lounge access, along with breakdown cover and travel insurance.

b/ Customer service? ie, they pick up the phone when you call them. Even at 3am

If it's B then First Direct are your best bet