Best online banking

rich_jtg

I currently bank with Nationwide, but following numerous bad in-branch experiences, I'm looking to move.

However, I will miss their excellent online banking facility, and wondered (as most of my banking is done via this method) if anyone could recommend a bank with an equally good internet service?

Looking through old posts, First Direct seems to crop up quite a few times, however my memory of it from past experience, is that is was quite clunky in comparison to Nationwide.

Is there a comparable service online? :huh:

moominyak

Sorry Rich, I'm with HBOS so can't really compare, although I don't have any problem with them apart from no faster payments yet and I can't transfer money direct from my current a/c to my HBOS mortgage.

Have just opened a Smile a/c to use as a conduit but too early to comment on that one yet.

I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions here though

Scousebird_2

I have had accounts with Natwest and Barclays and I have found their online banking a little difficult to fathom. Barclays especially having to carry that bloody calculator thing around with me and turning the house upside down to log in. HSBC online banking does it for me everytime, it's simple, clear and there's a dedicated team to support you if you get stuck! Fab!!

epsilondraconis

For me, the HSBC online facility is very intuitive and the best I've used. Some people say that HSBC in branch isn't great; however I never go into branch and so conduct everything online. I have had only good things to say about them, but as with everything, there will be many many people saying not to touch HSBC with a barge pole.

Voyager2002

The textbook answer: numerous surveys of customer satisfaction have reported that the best banks are First Direct and Smile. I have had good service from both of them: I prefer Smile, although there are aspects where FD has the edge.

However, if you are happy with Nationwide's on-line service and are planning to move to an internet bank, why not pretend that Nationwide is an internet bank and give up visiting their branches? And yes, I have to agree that their in-branch service is poor, although overall I am happy with them.

rich_jtg

Thanks for your replies folks - makes interesting reading.

I've been off playing with the interactive demos on the HSBC and Smile websites and they seem very functional... will have to have a better look when I'm more awake!

Thanks Voyager for your suggestion of using NW as an internet bank. Very interesting idea, though on the few occasions I've had to use a branch or phone service (instead of the internet) in recent years, I've never had a decent experience. Even paying a cheque in has been a drawn-out process, due to either constantly faulty machines, or long queues, to which there's no alternative. This is a shame, but after 15+ years as a customer, I'm fed up of observing that they aren't growing with their popularity.

Thanks again for your replies.

Thomas_Crown

I have a Nationwide FlexAccount

Thomas_Crown

I have a Nationwide FlexAccount & their online banking is very good but I would say that Lloyds TSB is even better.

skyrider007

HSBC online banking FTW!

oliviarosejackson

I have an account with Coop and Halifax. And i have to say that i find Coop online banking soo easy to use. Halifax is really complicated.

JayZed

Scousebird wrote: »

I have had accounts with Natwest and Barclays and I have found their online banking a little difficult to fathom. Barclays especially having to carry that bloody calculator thing around with me and turning the house upside down to log in. HSBC online banking does it for me everytime, it's simple, clear and there's a dedicated team to support you if you get stuck! Fab!!

I'm currently livid with Barclays (not for the first time this year) because my PinSentry broke when I accidentally dropped it and they're trying to charge me six quid for a new one. I never wanted the bloody thing in the first place, and I strongly object having to pay £6 for this irritating gadget that was foisted on me against my will (and if it can't survive a 3-ft drop onto a wooden floor I don't believe it's worth £6!)

Serves me right for not having got around to switching to a better account that pays proper interest. I'll be rectifying that situation very soon.