Best online banking interface

[obob]

I do a lot of my banking online, currently thinking of switching current accounts but need to know who has a good online and mobile app (android) service.

Thinking of First Direct, Halifax or santander?

[skahigh]

I have recent experience of Natwest, First Direct and HSBC.

Natwests interface is the best imo and allows you to do the most, need a card reader to add payees and set up direct debits etc.

HSBCs is crap imo because you need a little number generator thing to log in every time.

First Direct is pretty good, nice and clean and no need for any extra security hardware but some limitations on what you can do online, need to call to do certain things or leave an online message.

[obob]

I an currently with hsbc, it does what I need, I just need to transfer money to my savings accounts, set up standing orders and pay people.

What do you mean by card reader? And what can you not do with FD?

I am only thinking of the 3 in my OP due to the benefits of their current account.

[Sir Bagalot]

obob said:

I do a lot of my banking online, currently thinking of switching current accounts but need to know who has a good online and mobile app (android) service.

Thinking of First Direct, Halifax or santander?

You were doing so well, and then you mention the fking 'S' word. Do not, repeat DO NOT go anywhere near Santander. They are a st poor excuse for a bank and really are a bunch of fking s.

[soad]

Both Santander and Halifax were piss poor. I speak from experience.

NatWest/RBS online banking was okay.

[Sir Bagalot]

skahigh said:

I have recent experience of Natwest, First Direct and HSBC.

Natwests interface is the best imo and allows you to do the most, need a card reader to add payees and set up direct debits etc.

HSBCs is crap imo because you need a little number generator thing to log in every time.

First Direct is pretty good, nice and clean and no need for any extra security hardware but some limitations on what you can do online, need to call to do certain things or leave an online message.

NatWest online? Do they still have no email contact......?

HSBC.... number generator to login? So is security now a bad thing?

First Direct are also shortly introducing those same number generators (or device certificates). Not aware of any limitations. Good interface and the big bonus is that when you call them a nice person in Leeds answers the phone with 20 seconds. If that isn't enough they are now offering £125 to switch!

[pavka007]

OP, I don't know how north is your location (as per your profile) but Bank of Scotland are great. They are part of Halifax but they operate on their own. Local phone numbers to call (0131 instead of 0845 crap), local call centre (just outside Edinburgh) and they answer the phone within seconds 24/7. You can set up DD, standing orders etc on line, even apply for loans, mortgages, make a payments within the UK and International, two tiers security log in. Instant transfer between Bank of Scotland accounts.
Absolutely brilliant App for Android
Never had a single issue for the last 5 years with them.

[fid]

Sir Bagalot said:

...HSBC.... number generator to login? So is security now a bad thing?!...

It is if you use your HSBC account for share dealing, and you need to sell quickly, and the code generator stops working, and it's a Friday afternoon, and you aren't near a branch, and they won't send a new one until Monday. Not a comfortable experience.

[skahigh]

Sir Bagalot said:

HSBC.... number generator to login? So is security now a bad thing?

Of course security is not a bad thing however, for me online banking is about convenience and having to carry around a number pad or card reader type device is something I find highly inconvenient.

There are plenty of other ways to ensure security, as usual it is a system in place to protect banks and some of their customers who are too ignorant of online security to keep themselves safe.

It's a personal thing and for me it is unnecessary and inconvenient.