changing bank account

hulagirl79

Hi
I am looking for a new bank account.
I have been with natwest for 15 years and have an advantage gold account with them, 6 months ago i opened up a current account with them, just as a standby [it was a blue account which i never wanted as they charge you £6.95 per month for stuff i dont want or need]

Well last week i went over drawn by £4.63 when they took out the £6.95[ i forgot it was coming out my fault i know], now they want to charge me £28.00 for this, when i phoned up they were not bothered even when i explained that i never go overdrawn on either account. I then stated that i would be closing down my account and again they were not bothered [mi dont know why i was suprised]

So now my question is what account is the best and easiest to transfer standing orders etc over.
Thanks for any advice

KTF

There is no 'best' account as everyones needs are different. For me Nationwide is 'best' because of the no fees cash withdrawals overseas. For others it may be A&L with the 0% overdraft matching service.

Most banks will offer a switching service as well so its very easy to switch accounts.

The first thing I would do is phone up Natwest and get both of your accounts reduced down to non monthly fee paying ones unless you need the benefits they offer as it seems pointless to have a 'standby' account that is costing you £6.95 a month to do nothing.

hulagirl79

Hi
Thanks for the reply
When i opened up the account i was told i had to have the blue account [ which i have now found out to be untrue] I have raised a complaint with the bank and am waiting to hearback on that.
I understand that the bank accounts are varied, i only have £100 over draft so that is not really a consideration and i dont go abroad. All i really want is a simple account which i can get access to my money, internet banking and good customer service[ am i asking too much on that one] lol

KTF

I am currently with Nationwide and was with RBS prior to this and have had no problems so far. Others may say different but its only when something goes wrong that you find out how good the customer service is...

A good place to start is here: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts

thermalaudio

If you just want an account that facilitates Direct Debits, Standing Orders, Maestro Card, Online & Telephone Banking etc, then Yorkshire Bank offer the Readycash Account, this account had no overdraft facility so if you do go overdrawn by £4.23p as you said before, there is automatically no charges put onto the account.

If you do need an overdraft facility, then i would suggest the Yorkshire Bank 'Signature' Account, which i recently upgraded my readycash account too, It does cost £10.00 per month (taken on last working day of the month), Though that £10.00 covers the features of the account which so far i have found to be very handy & run consistently for as long as the card is active:

Worldwide Family Multi Trip Travel Insurance - for 5 people (account holder, partner & upto 5 children) including Winter Sports

Money Saved - £119.00 per year

Green Flag Breakdown Cover

Money Saved - £48.00 per year

Identity Theft Insurance

Money Saved - priceless..

Gadget Insurance - So my ipod, mobile phone & digital camera are now covered (the majority of phone shops charge upto 9.99 per month for the duration of your contract to insure the phone, so its well worth it)

Money Saved - £9.99 per month