We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Budgeting & bank accounts

Archives for July 2005

A & L fast and efficient switching service ?
I decided to change banks to the Alliance & Leicester as there was a great interest rate, a £50 incentive and a 'fast and efficient' account switching service. After 3 months I am getting a great rate of interest. However I have only received £25 incentive (can't grumble too much) but they really cannot be classed as…
Small business banking
I'm looking to chose a Bank with respect to starting a new small business. Which would any of you recommend I consider or avoid ?
Help with international account cash card
A friend of mine (student) lived in Japan for a year and was a teacher. They had a Japanese bank account which kept her earnings, and the account came with a cash card. They moved back to the United Kingdom 2 years ago, and have continued to use the cash card over here. They have withdrawn a lot of money, much more than…
Help with bank account "standing order" op.
Sorry guys, im relatively new in use a bank account here in the UK, since a short time i have a Barclays account, the "first adittions" account i think..and a regular savings account today looking at the balance, i saw a "STANDING ORDER" operation, seems to be money moving between accounts....it its possible? Thanks a lot
Exchanging euros into stirling
I think you want to change it into sterling! Depends on the amount .... Have you thought about Paypal? See http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?newsid1114428796,22175, for further details Ciarán PS Think this question is on the wrong board!
A&L Premier Plus Interest extended
According to the A&L website those opening a new Premier Plus account will now get the initial 5% rate until the end of september 2006 (previously end of June.) Looks like they're still keen to recruit new customers (even if customer service can be a bit up and down...) :beer: JC
a bank account for a bust couple
any help who will take us as we were with the halifax and they kicked us out snake
A&L won't pay incentive
I joined A&L several months ago when they were offering £50 cashback (£25 for current account plus £25 for opening and using credit card) I received the first £25 but despite three letters to them (enclosing copies of their offer) they still won't pay the 2nd £25. I've complied with their conditions - how do I get them to…
Current account with bad credit?
I have a default on my name which still has almost 5 years before it comes off my record. Completely my fault, an oversight when I moved address. I found out about it after getting rejected for a new credit card and was advised to get my credit records which I did. I paid it off straight away (was for a small amount,…
choosing a new account????
hi, after being with the halifax for four years we have decided to see whether we could save any ££ by moving accounts..and also getting fed up with them for charges, which i know you get everywhere but surely some banks are moreflexible?! maybe not! but it will give me great pleasure to tell them we r off!! we are a young…
Best 'Ethical' Current Accounts
I am in the happy position of having just paid off my last remaining bits of debt, including a huge overdraft that has had me tied to the Halifax for years (Hurray! :j I'm freeeee!) I'd like to be able to choose a more ethical current account, and have looked at Smile & Co-op (but they are the same people) and am now…
Disappointed with Smile.
Without warning Smile Bank today billed me £8 to cancel and replace a cheque book that failed to arrive (i.e. apparently lost in the post). Have been a model customer for 5 years with >£20K in a variety of current/savings/ISA accounts. I haven't had much involvement with their customer services during that time, but always…
low credit score
Hi all, I'm a former bankrupt (some 14 months ago) and have had an Abbey Basic Account since then. They told me that after a year or so I could apply to upgrade to a normal current account. I just tried that and my application was refused - not because of my former bankruptcy, but because my credit score was too low. I was…
Smile £25
Has anyone seen the ads for the press for £25 incentive if you open a bank account with Smile. Let me know which papers have the ads in, as I mis placed the ad and reference code and t&Cs
Address to Complain to Natwest
Does anyone have an address that I can use to complain to Natwest about poor customer service? I've done a google search but can't find it. The address given to me over the phone was that of a mailing house and I want to complain to Natwest directly. Any answers gratefully received. I'll be back online this afternoon.…
Bank charges
Hi, I have just received a letter from my bank saying they are charging me £30 for going over my overdraft limit. I only went over by £2.50 as they paid a direct debit. The company who the direct debit was for did not take it out at the correct time which is the only reason I am overdrawn. Do you think the bank will waive…
Living miles from a bank
I live in a village 26 miles to a nearest city. I work Monday to Friday 9am to 5am so you can imagine it's impossible to visit a bank in the week unless you go on time off. Yes I know banks open at weekends but I am not travelling 26 miles to deposit cash savings etc. Only thing we have is post office open on a weekend…
Most Cashback on Current Account
Hi All Myself and a friend are buying a house, and so will nedd a joint current account to put funds into to pay the mortgage, bills etc. We don't care about the interest rate really as money will go in by standing order, then more or less go straight back out. We're therefore looking for an account with the most cashback…
best current account for people with low credit ratings?
hi! Was just wondering who is the best provider for current accounts at the moment for people with low or poor credit ratings!!! :confused:
business A/C bad practice
My partner has been in business for many years and has never come across such bad practice as this recent experience with her local branch of NAT WEST, which she transferred to recently. Because she went over her modest overdraught limit they stopped paying out her direct debits without any notification which caused a loss…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

View All

Budgeting & bank accounts

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Budgeting & bank accounts

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free