Another what bank account.

[megaphone]

So after 25+ years of having an account with Nat West that had zero bank charges, other than interest on my overdraft, they have now decided that I need to pay £6/m if I use my arranged OD. I also pay a annual fee of £85 for the account so I'm not happy.

So what accounts are out there that have zero charges and a decent overdraft facility with a low rate? I currently have £10k facility but £5K will be adequate. I'm happy to pay a reasonable annual fee, would be good to get some other benefits for that fee.

[megaphone]

swerni said:

first direct.

Thanks, been looking at them. Any particular account though?

[51mes]

I'd say +1 but also want to add, been with them for best part of 25 years now, see no reason to need to change.

Simes.

[justin220]

Santander123 account looks interesting

[Mr Will]

Another very happy long term (10+ years) First Direct customer here

[northandy]

First direct.

Been with them 15 years ish.

Current account, savings, isa, mortgage all with them. Brilliant service.

[KelWedge]

First Direct me over 23 years!
Always been perfect, and I have control on accounts with Barclays, HSBC, Santander, Halifax. (via Work) and First Direct is miles better, bril on line and the phone service has the most pleasant people out there, and if you need a branch you just pop into the HSBC

[Sir Bagalot]

justin220 said:

Santander123 account looks interesting

NO NO NO NO NO! Just No!

You mentioned the "S" word. They really are a bunch of complete fkwits and a complete and utter pisspoor excuse for a fking bank, they are fking useless. In fact they are fking s!

Proper bank = First Direct

[megaphone]

swerni said:

What do you need from a bank?

As per my OP. Overdraft with reasonable interest and no fees, £5K would be enough, £10k would be useful sometimes. No other unreasonable charges. Don't mind paying a reasonable annual fee but would rather not, if I do I'd want some other benefits. I currently pay £85/year for the old Nat West Gold Plus account, this has been defunct for years but I was happy until they started charging me £6 to use my arranged overdraft.

[megaphone]

justin220 said:

Santander123 account looks interesting

I've been looking at this, I have a Santander savings account and ISA, used to have a mortgage with them since Abbey days. Problem is they act like a glorified building society, I always have to queue whilst some old granny gets here paying in book out, staff are not great and they're always hassling me to take a 'financial review'. Plus my local branch is smelly due to the staff they have.

[uknick]

I've been with Lloyds for some years and just transferred to their Classic Vantage. No fees but pretty good interest rates on higher credit balances.

But, I don't run an overdraft so didn't bother to look at that angle.

[Countdown]

northandy said:

First direct.

Been with them 15 years ish.

Current account, savings, isa, mortgage all with them. Brilliant service.

Same here (apart from the mortgage). I banked with the Midland when at Uni but when you're working it's harder and harder to get to a branch during opening hours, which is why I move to telephone banking. I've been with FD ever since they opened and banking has been painless.

You can also use the Post Office to pay money in which is handy when clients pay in cash