Opinions on Ulster Bank please...

southantrim3

Hi there guys,
I'm currently banking with the Halifax but am considering a move to one of the local banks and was thinking of the Ulster. Can anyone tell me what experiences they've had with the Ulster and what their customer service is like.
For all the money I have, lets just say that interest rates don't really worry me but I would place a high priority on customer service and am wondering if local banks are any better at this than the national ones who don't really seem to care.
Any advice, past experinces etc would be appreciated. Thanks for your help guys.

seatzie

there aren't any "local" banks anymore, Ulster is owned by RBS, Northern by either Australian or Danish people can't remember, First Trust and BOI obviously have head offices in the South, but the concept of a "local" bank no longer exists. In my experience the staff are always moved around so you never have a continuum of more than a few months of people knowing you etc. In this day and age, a bank is a bank, noone will do you any favours. If your situation is suited, I'd recommend the Alliance Leicester account thats in Martins tip for this week, bag yourself £100 and use the post office to lodge cheques/cash if its more convenient. Only downside is the odd occassion where you need their customer service on the phone, its the usual 20 button presses on the phone before you speak to anyone, but at least they're not in India when you do get through!
I moved to them from First Trust 8 years ago and I've only needed to ring them maybe 3 times, everything else has worked online, through the post office etc etc.............

belfastgirl23

Why a local bank, as seatzie says above they're all international anyway. And really they're all c**p

I can highly recommend Nationwide.

seatzie

belfastgirl23 wrote: »

And really they're all c**p

AGREED! :rotfl:

Jaime-V

I left the Ulster Bank years ago as the service was Cr*p. I went to Abbey, good at the time but just as cr*p now lol. I also have accounts with Nationwide (very good so far) and Halifax (no complaints either).

Nationwide is very good if you travel abroad as they don't charge commission for using your debit or credit card.

thriftyminx13

Yes Northern is owned by Danske. When I worked for them, people literally would come in about 3 times a week from the Ulster Bank with their savings and wanting to open up an account with the Northern. Maybe its changed now, but a few years ago Ulster bank had loads of general staff trained in mortgages instead of one or two properly trained members of staff, and they just didn't have the knowledge that the others "northern ireland" banks had.

I've been with Northern all my life and have had excellent customer service etc. I only worked there for a brief time but the staff really wanted to help, although like all banks, sales are pressed on everyone.

But don't start me on Ulster bank, because I blame them for how bad the housing situation is in Northern Ireland. I'm surprised they are still viable!

warmhands.coldheart

I have two accounts with Halifax and to be honest they are just OK. had a few issues over charges but to their credit after a few letters they did re-imburse me.

OH has an account with Nationwide and they seem to have been hassle free for her and as Jaime-V says good for when down South as no commission on using your Debit/Credit Cards.

warmhands.coldheart

Mind you, not that you'd want to be shopping in the South at the moment:eek:

AlwaysWorking

I've been with the Ulster Bank for 12 years and generally find them ok, but a couple of years ago I asked them to extend my overdraft for a few days and they refused - I was leaving the Civil Service and, unknown to me, they pay your last wage by cheque a few days after the end of the month...which meant I hadn't the money to cover my mortgage. I have to say I was disappointed by their attitude as I was only asking for help for a couple of days and I even offered to send a letter from the Civil Service comfirming when I would receive my wages. Luckily my mum helped me.

Camp_Freddy

A few years ago I amalgamated my accounts at Bank of Ireland and Northern Bank into two accounts at Ulster Bank and apart from a bit of a mix up with Direct Debits (which UB apologised for profusely by staff members and branch managers) AND gave me £100.

Since then I've had no cause for complaints and any time I've gone in to the branch looking for advice, I've come away satisfied and without any kind of hard sell, too.

rjh090384

i used to work for said bank and phrase dont touch with barge pole comes to mind. i love nationwide!