Coutts account
Discussion
Have been a Coutts customer for a couple of years now, and struggle to see the real benefit to be honest. I have plenty of UK property borrowing, but all at rates they can't complete with, so no point switching over. Then they won't touch international real estate borrowing, so no switch their either. Similar situation with deposits and I haven't seen them recommend any upper quartile investment options that aren't easily available elsewhere. The personal service is very handy, don't get me wrong. Long and short of it is I'm just not the right sort of client for them.
I'd hoped at the outset that they'd be able to tailor some borrowing or investment packages to my circumstances, but it hasn't really worked out that way. They are instead very fixed in their options and have a very strong deposit base.
Have also tried to shift my corporate banking side to them, but haven't bothered thus far as their own advice ended up being to stick with existing (free) banking plus 2+% deposit arrangements.
So, my only advice is to consider whether they have anything to offer that exceeds what you already have with your current banking/investment arrangements. As other posters have said, First Direct offer fine banking for free as well as decent, low cost borrowing options.
Oh, and the WorldCard benefits are laughable - points for Easyjet flights. Come on now.
I'd hoped at the outset that they'd be able to tailor some borrowing or investment packages to my circumstances, but it hasn't really worked out that way. They are instead very fixed in their options and have a very strong deposit base.
Have also tried to shift my corporate banking side to them, but haven't bothered thus far as their own advice ended up being to stick with existing (free) banking plus 2+% deposit arrangements.
So, my only advice is to consider whether they have anything to offer that exceeds what you already have with your current banking/investment arrangements. As other posters have said, First Direct offer fine banking for free as well as decent, low cost borrowing options.
Oh, and the WorldCard benefits are laughable - points for Easyjet flights. Come on now.
swerni said:
Zod said:
S10 GTA said:
An interesting read.
My old man has a st James palace account. What's the eligibility of that?
St James's Place, you mean - it's an investment advice firm, not a bank.My old man has a st James palace account. What's the eligibility of that?
Do you think I should stop sending them my wages every month and return the cheque book an card?
So apart from a swanky name and a credit card for swashbuckling queue-jumpers, what distinguishes a Coutts account from one with Svenska Handelsbanken?
AFAIK - and I may not be in posession of the full facts here - SHB are a far safer (post Swedish banking crisis of 90's) bet than RBS and offer a very personal service.
AFAIK - and I may not be in posession of the full facts here - SHB are a far safer (post Swedish banking crisis of 90's) bet than RBS and offer a very personal service.
I was with Handelsbanken - great bank, pick up the phone and call my local branch, speak to the same people (oh hello, how are you keeping etc) however I finished with them because I just couldn't cope with the internet security they had - load some software onto computer to login and then if you try and access your account from elsewhere load software via pen drive!
Nightmare! Also no mobile phone application - iPad or iPhone (they have in Sweden but not available to UK market).
I've since switched to Barclays Premier - good web based system, mobile browser (still no app though) and reasonable team to get hold of. Yes, i do pay for the account but the car breakdown cover, mobile phone, gadget (iPad) insurance and concierge service is very good - I believe Coutts use the same service.
Would I like to join Coutts - yes, but i'm too poor. I do like the bankings old heritage! Maybe one day!
Nightmare! Also no mobile phone application - iPad or iPhone (they have in Sweden but not available to UK market).
I've since switched to Barclays Premier - good web based system, mobile browser (still no app though) and reasonable team to get hold of. Yes, i do pay for the account but the car breakdown cover, mobile phone, gadget (iPad) insurance and concierge service is very good - I believe Coutts use the same service.
Would I like to join Coutts - yes, but i'm too poor. I do like the bankings old heritage! Maybe one day!
Its a shame RBS can't learn some lessons from Coutts as their customer service stinks ! Coutts definately gives you street cred. and i would love to bank with them.
Meanwhile for the common man may i suggest metro bank who also give outstanding service including a facilty that Coutts cannot offer:- drive thru banking ! A must for any true pistonhead !
Meanwhile for the common man may i suggest metro bank who also give outstanding service including a facilty that Coutts cannot offer:- drive thru banking ! A must for any true pistonhead !
testosterone said:
Its a shame RBS can't learn some lessons from Coutts as their customer service stinks ! Coutts definately gives you street cred. and i would love to bank with them.
Meanwhile for the common man may i suggest metro bank who also give outstanding service including a facilty that Coutts cannot offer:- drive thru banking ! A must for any true pistonhead !
And Metro bank not allow customers to take dogs into the branch, but also provide them with drinking bowls and treats: https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/Discover-Metro-B...Meanwhile for the common man may i suggest metro bank who also give outstanding service including a facilty that Coutts cannot offer:- drive thru banking ! A must for any true pistonhead !
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