Recommend a 'High Street' bank.

[AndrewEH1]

Hey, sorry for the potentially stupid question but...

I'm looking to maybe move banks, currently with HBOS and whilst there has not been any real issues they seem to be one of the banks who are in the press too often.

I like the look of HSBC or Nationwide, anyone else I should look at or avoid like the plague.

I'd probably have two accounts, current and savings.

I'd prefer to have better customer service and benefits (web access, lots of branches, cash point etc) rather than the best interest rate.

I'm ruling a few banks out for obvious reasons:
Santander
RBS

[p4cks]

I had to move to a First Direct (HSBC) bank account as one of the stipulations when I got my mortgage, and I can't fault them at all. Customer service is second to none and there's no annoying automated phone system which means you get straight through to a UK based human being.

[limpsfield]

First direct every time - always the recommendation when these threads come up.

been with them since 1991, can't fault them

[skeeterm5]

Unless you have a real issue why bother moving? A long track record with a major bank is a good thing to have.

S

[skeeterm5]

Unless you have a real issue why bother moving? A long track record with a major bank is a good thing to have.

S

[Helicopter123]

Barclays - they have turned the corner with the new boss, much more focused on Retail.

[soprano]

First direct

[GCH]

Dont touch nationwide with a barge pole. Awful in every way, and very outdated systems for even simple things.

[Sir Bagalot]

Did someone mention First Direct?

[m444ttb]

GCH said:

Dont touch nationwide with a barge pole. Awful in every way, and very outdated systems for even simple things.

I'm genuinely interested to know what has made you think that. Current account strategy & planning is my role at Nationwide.

Despite the above I wouldn't bank with Nationwide even if they do pay my wages if I thought they were st. The likes of the GfK Financial Research Survey will give you the most reasonable guide as to where customers are satisfied. No surprises that first direct lead Co-Op who lead Nationwide. The big banks are then some way adrift (particularly Santander).

[Bradgate]

I have banked with Nationwide for over a decade. They used to be excellent, but their service has declined sharply in recent years. Nationwide used to pay interest on its current accounts and offered commission-free debit card payments and cash withdrawals overseas.

Not any more.

All these benefits have now been withdrawn, and there is now little to differentiate Nationwide from the big banks, except its increasingly misleading advertising that it is "On your side"

[AtticusFinch]

I like Santander 3% on balances over £3k (up to 20k) make it better than most savings accounts + the cash back on Direct Debits. What's not to like? or am I missing something?

[northandy]

First direct here for about 15 years, brilliant service.

[chr15b]

Another for first direct, nothing but praise for them.

[henrycrun]

Curious as to why NOT Nationwide ? The online banking is simples.
And no shareholders creaming off.

[Helicopter123]

chr15b said:

Another for first direct, nothing but praise for them.

But First Direct = HSBC...

[tr7v8]

henrycrun said:

Curious as to why NOT Nationwide ? The online banking is simples.
And no shareholders creaming off.

My thoughts, I've banked with most of the names over the years & ha issues with all. Now been with Nationwide since 97ish & been very happy. Yup they've screwed up on odd occasions but always sorted it to my satisfaction. In fact Mrs TR7V8 now banks with them & we jointly bank with them.

[chr15b]

Helicopter123 said:

But First Direct = HSBC...

And your point is?

[Quietlybonkers]

skeeterm5 said:

Unless you have a real issue why bother moving? A long track record with a major bank is a good thing to have.

S

Been with HSBC for 40 years - and the first time I asked them to do anything they treated me like st. I am a UK Chartered Accountant in practice, so you would hope they would treat me a bit better. But no, everything to do with decisions is centralised and you cannot speak to anyone who makes a decision.
On the plus side, they do clear cheques paid in quickly......and the staff are nice. And they no longer seem to route calls to Malta or the Philippines.

I know they own First Direct, but I have heard a lot of good things about FD, and you can I believe use the HSBC branch network for paying in etc

Clients of mine speak highly of the Co-op bank, if that gives you an alternative

[limpsfield]

Helicopter123 said:

chr15b said:

Another for first direct, nothing but praise for them.

But First Direct = HSBC...

very true of course but there does seem to be a completely different attitude to service from them when compared to most blue chip high street names.

Phones answered quickly, UK call centre not offshore, genuinely helpful.

I genuinely think they have the best customer service of absolutely any company I have dealt with in my life!