Which current account?
Discussion
My current account is with a bank that used to be called say "Cathedral", whose patron saint is now "Saint Andare" - hope the PH N&S rules are still intact 
Over the years they have gone from bad to worse and even though they compensate me financially every time they fluk up the time has come where even that doesn't work anymore - I want out. They are currently paying £100 to join them, trust me, it ain't enough if you are considering it.
So, to cut a long story short I would like recommendations based on personal experience rather than hearsay on which one to try next.
All I need is a simple bank account, nothing fancy:
A UK call centre.
Preferably no 0845/0844/0870 numbers.
Cheque book (until they go).
High street branches in London.
Sensible savings accounts options.
Electron card as well as debit card.
Decent online banking.
No fees for account itself.
Being able to pay in cheques in the hole in the wall.
Not worried about getting interest on balance or any overdraft charges, I don't do overdrawn.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Over the years they have gone from bad to worse and even though they compensate me financially every time they fluk up the time has come where even that doesn't work anymore - I want out. They are currently paying £100 to join them, trust me, it ain't enough if you are considering it.
So, to cut a long story short I would like recommendations based on personal experience rather than hearsay on which one to try next.
All I need is a simple bank account, nothing fancy:
A UK call centre.
Preferably no 0845/0844/0870 numbers.
Cheque book (until they go).
High street branches in London.
Sensible savings accounts options.
Electron card as well as debit card.
Decent online banking.
No fees for account itself.
Being able to pay in cheques in the hole in the wall.
Not worried about getting interest on balance or any overdraft charges, I don't do overdrawn.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Edited by Ribol on Thursday 17th February 09:16
Ribol said:
My current account is with a bank that used to be called say "Cathedral", whose patron saint is now "Saint Andare" - hope the PH N&S rules are still intact
Over the years they have gone from bad to worse and even though they compensate me financially every time they fluk up the time has come where even that doesn't work anymore - I want out. They are currently paying £100 to join them, trust me, it ain't enough if you are considering it.
So, to cut a long story short I would like recommendations based on personal experience rather than hearsay on which one to try next.
All I need is a simple bank account, nothing fancy:
A UK call centre.
Preferably no 0845/0844/0870 numbers.
Cheque book (until they go).
High street branches in London.
Sensible savings accounts options.
Electron card as well as debit card.
Decent online banking.
No fees for account itself.
Being able to pay in cheques in the hole in the wall.
Not worried about getting interest on balance or any overdraft charges, I don't do overdrawn.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Smile are good. Use Co-op branches in London and for paying in cheques they give you pre-paid envelopes. I have been very happy with them for normal banking. they are so easy to deal with and great on the phone.Over the years they have gone from bad to worse and even though they compensate me financially every time they fluk up the time has come where even that doesn't work anymore - I want out. They are currently paying £100 to join them, trust me, it ain't enough if you are considering it.
So, to cut a long story short I would like recommendations based on personal experience rather than hearsay on which one to try next.
All I need is a simple bank account, nothing fancy:
A UK call centre.
Preferably no 0845/0844/0870 numbers.
Cheque book (until they go).
High street branches in London.
Sensible savings accounts options.
Electron card as well as debit card.
Decent online banking.
No fees for account itself.
Being able to pay in cheques in the hole in the wall.
Not worried about getting interest on balance or any overdraft charges, I don't do overdrawn.
Many thanks for any suggestions.
Edited by Ribol on Thursday 17th February 09:16
Another vote for 1st Direct - I've been with them for about 20 years - including two offset mortgages, currently base + 0.99%, though that's not available now, and also sharedealing account (not the cheapest at £10+/trade but easy to set up and manage if you're an account holder).
You need £1500 per month of net salary/income, otherwise no restrictions that I know of. I hardly use the phone element now, though they are fast and helpful when I need that. The only part that doesn't fit your spec is "no 0845" - but most stuff can be done online.
Savings accounts (except the 8% fixed, £300 max/month) are, like all institutions, poor, but they've got loans to people like me at 1.49% so they can't pay high rates across the board. HSBC parent is very big & solvent.
You need £1500 per month of net salary/income, otherwise no restrictions that I know of. I hardly use the phone element now, though they are fast and helpful when I need that. The only part that doesn't fit your spec is "no 0845" - but most stuff can be done online.
Savings accounts (except the 8% fixed, £300 max/month) are, like all institutions, poor, but they've got loans to people like me at 1.49% so they can't pay high rates across the board. HSBC parent is very big & solvent.
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