Current accounts - who has the best online bit?

[dave_s13]

I'm just after some opinions of your current accounts and what you think of the online aspect of the service? I am currently with Santander and thoroughly pee'd off with the fact I have to remember a 12 digit number, then identify a symbol of some random description along with an access code and a password to get in and check my balance.

This wasn't too bad until the laptop went tits up and I had to ring them for a new pin code, that they had to post, that didn't arrive, then did arrive, and my wife binned it. Anyway, I reckon it would be easier to just open a new account elsewhere.

What do you lot use?

[sc0tt]

Halifax - Online service is good - pretty reliable.

Username and password first step.

3 random digits from your secret word second step - all done.

[wobert]

First Direct process similar to Halifax......plus excellent cusotmer service, via a human 24hrs a day.

[durbster]

Halifax online is a bit mediocre in my opinion. They were very slow at getting two stage verification and once you're in, you have to fight through adverts for loans to get to your account data (if you have multiple accounts with them).

I've used Halifax, Natwest and Nationwide and by far the best online experience is the Nationwide.

[Liszt]

HBOS is the same as LLoyds. The new Barclays one is better than the Natwest one and is even better if you use the mobile app.

[z4chris99]

HSBC is:

random number IBXXXXXXXXXX you need to remember
then password
then generate a code from some machine, which you need to remember another 6 dig number..

[MASimmo]

I had an online Halifax account, that was until about 3 months ago when some one managed to get both passwords and my secret word. Not only that but they phoned up my mobile phone company and put a call divert on my number so it rang theirs when the bank phoned to confirm! Luckily nothing lost in the end but I'd go for something better, the random number generators may be a pain but seem more secure. I checked my Apple mac with anti spyware software and a few virus checkers and nothing was found, seems someone may have sold the details??

[WorAl]

Barclays.

Get card out of wallet.
Type in Surname (I remember this bit off by heart)
Type in sort code and account number (written on the card in your hand)
Put card in machine
Type in pin number to machine. (Usual to remember this number)
Type random code given from machine into box on computer screen.
You're in.

[The Jolly Todger]

If you have smartphone then Natwest is great due to there app. Hardly use the online banking any more although it is very good when needed.

[hyperblue]

First Direct is straight forward enough. Username of your choice, 3 digits from your password and a secret question.

Have moved over from HSBC who brought in the annoying number pad. I hope FD doesn't go the same way, as it is owned by HSBC.

[deadmau5]

RBS

Your browser will save your online banking number

You have to enter 3/4 digits of your security number

You have to enter 3/however many digits long your password is

You're in.

You only need your card reader when setting up a new payee, once they're set up you can transfer money to them by just logging in.

[sihartlepool]

I use 'Smile' bank.

Their online bit is great.

1. Account number and sort code
2. 2 numbers out of your security code (not pin number)
3. Answer 1 of 5 secret questions
4. You're in!

Great customer service from a human. Any messages you send them are usually answered in 24 hours and common sense seems to be used in their response.

To pay money in you can use any Co-Operative Bank branch or Post Office.

[spikeyhead]

I'm happy enough with Barclays but prefer Rabobank.

[Frenchda]

Lloyds, very simple with good app.

[jvl]

WorAl said:

Barclays.

Get card out of wallet.
Type in Surname (I remember this bit off by heart)
Type in sort code and account number (written on the card in your hand)
Put card in machine
Type in pin number to machine. (Usual to remember this number)
Type random code given from machine into box on computer screen.
You're in.

If you use the smartphone app you just need to remember a 5 digit code.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com....

[dave_s13]

Thanks chaps, I like the idea of a phone app rather than relying on a computer.

I'll look into it.

[Anthony Micallef]

sc0tt said:

Halifax - Online service is good - pretty reliable.

Username and password first step.

3 random digits from your secret word second step - all done.

+1 Very happy with Halifax's online service and their service in general. Wouldnt call their online service mediocre and I certainly dont have problems with adverts in getting to my accounts.

[NRS]

My UK account is HBOS, but my Norwegian one is very good. First of all you put a pin into an app on your phone, which generates an 8 digit number (so like the card reader, but you don't need the reader with you) and then a password, and jobs a good 'un.

[paranoid airbag]

santander and nationwide here, much prefer nationwide's system. 10-digit number followed by either a)popping your card into a machine to get a four-digit session code, or b)a password plus three random digits from a passnumber (that you select from a drop-down box), you decide which method to use. Both seem pretty secure and convenient to me.

[Tyy]

I use Natwest online and have to say that I find it really good and it's very easy to transfer between accounts etc, I also use the Natwest IPhone app which is really handy, you only have to type a quick pin in to get it to open too