Cater Allen personal banking

[jhw333]

Any users, done a search but only found business users?

Was recommended these by an old friend a couple of years ago (currently no longer on speaking terms so not sure if she's still with them) and just sent an application for a current account.

What was most impressive was the immediate answer of phone from an obviously UK call centre when I had a question about one of the forms.
Any tips/things to watch out for?

[LivingTheDream]

Only a business user of them here but the accounts are similar.

plus point is, as you say, helpful person on the end of the phone any time you call.

only thing to look out for is the deferred debit card they issue - it will be treated as a credit card by retailers, so watch for any charges from that.

I've always been very impressed though!

[jinkster]

I think they are part of stantander which is enough to put me off but beg to differ. Maybe the money saving expert forum might help.

[robinessex]

Guy I used to know with oodles of money told me off these:-

https://www.duncanlawrie.com/

Think you have to be a bit wealthy to get an account though

[IanMorewood]

Until Santander took them over I used them for my current account, they where ok but stopped paying interest on current account a while back and then started charging a monthly fee to run an account which made no sense to me as I go zero additional benefit from the account.

[Jockman]

I used them as the banker for our SSAS many years ago, as required by Scottish Provident. Then Abbey National?? stepped in and the rest is history.

As far as personal banking is concerned you really have to weigh up the financial benefits against the value of your ego. I'm only with HSBC premier for the mortgage rates and the free travel insurance.

I would never seriously consider any of the offerings on private banking as I find them a complete waste of money

[jonah35]

The best banks are the general high street ones. Private banks have to make money somehow and that is by more expensive investments, less interest on savings and poorer loan rates. You do get a better service generally but, to be honest, with internet banking I rarely speak to 'the bank'