Changing current accounts - is it really worth the hassle any advice?

someone

as with grumbler my main acount is nationwide.

I think the best thing is there ATM's. So easy to use and deposit cheques and cash (im talking about the ones inside the branches the 'FAST ATM' ones), just pop you card in press deposit only (no need to give a pin out if you want some else to deposit cheques/cash). Press cash or cheque. It then starts beaping and you put the cheque/bank note into the correct feeder. It brings up an image, asks how much its for, and again so you dont make a mistake. Then it will print a copy of the cheque on the ATM slip you get.

Ok, it sounds a bit complex but it is sooooooo much faster than standing in line at lunch time. Theres always someone to help you/guide you throu how to use them.

I must admint, never done it with cash so im not too shure if its as easy to use but i imagen it is.

Also, cheques deposited this way are trated just the same for clearing as if they were deposited at the counter.

EagerLearner

I can highly recommend First Direct - I joined them at 22 and am now 29, 7 years of excellent service on the banking/savings/credit card side. I just can't be bothered queuing, or using a bank that promises 'telephone banking' but just gives you automated queues and machines to talk to.

First Direct usually answer within 3 rings, are fantastic and speedy and always very pleasant - you can talk to them as much or as little as you want to (I'm a chatter, chat to FD about all sorts!).

It's not always worth an extra 3% on your interest rate, or a gimmicky £50 when you compare how well FD sort your problems out - they're there when you need them.

EagerLearner

llh189

I recently transferred to If.com, I was fed up with getting charged for banking with Barclays, standing in branch for ages to get anything done and being nameless and faceless because they are so big they just don't care about the average normal person.

The transfer was easy and quite swift, they transferred some of my direct debit and I need the rest, I also managed my standing orders and told my employer.

Over a period of time I have moved my ISA, my car loan and now trying to get rid of my Barclay Card.

All of this was done with missing one DD or going overdrawn on either account.

With If.com ( part of Halifax ) nothiing is done at a branch, chqs need to be posted to them , so can take a couple more days to clear, but they haven't lost one yet.

I have down graded my Barclays account and kept the OD facility and about £50 in there so if I do need to take advantage of any over the counter services I can.

I haven't even after shutting two saving accounts, paying of my loan and completely down grading my account and not paying any regular deposit had contact from Barclays, so my fear of them not caring has been completely proved.

I would move your accounts, but do research what exactly you want from your bank and not just be swayed by free money offers - hope this helps.

themaccas

Well after much looking at the various offers and accounts, we have gone for A&L. We have done it for various reasons. We live in a village, 12 miles from the nearest cashpoint but have postoffice so we will be able to withdraw cash from there. The interest rates are very good and so far the customer service seems very good. Time will tell though!