Suggestions - standard bank account

hkw1

My partner and I want to open a joint account and pay in a set amount each month to pay for bills (probably about £800 in total). Can anyone make any suggestions as to who’s got any good deals? We really just need the account to pay bills by direct debit and also have a debit card to pay for shopping etc. Any suggestions greatly appreciated! J

jonesMUFCforever

How about the bank you are with now??
Don't you think they can open a joint account for you?
Eric

hkw1

I'm currently with A&L and wouldn't use them if possible, and my partner is with HSBC who don't offer much really...

Reaper

When you say "offer" I take it you are after freebies? the A&L Premier Plus offers free worldwide travel insurance, 0% overdraft for 12 months, 5.5% interest on your balance (up to £2500), and will give you £20 if you apply online but note that you have to pay in £1000pm. You can take it back out again afterwards of course.

If you prefer a bank with the best customer service reputation then First Direct and Smile seem to be the two with the best feedback from people on these boards.

hkw1

Well really, I want an account that offers a good interest rate and a good customer service record and anything that comes free is a bonus. I have an A&L Premier Plus account and have had that much hassle with them that I wouldn't use them again if possible. We'll also only be depositing about £800 pcm.

I've heard good reports about Smile, but my partner isn't keen on internet banking - he quite likes to go in and see an actual person!!

omega27

You can use the Post Office to pay-in/withdraw with Smile, plus the Co-Op bank branches. You say that you are only going to need to use the account for bills, so why do you need to see a 'real' person?

Reaper

Likewise as First Direct are a division of HSBC you can use all their branches for day-to-day stuff like paying in cheques or asking for your balance. Lack of decent interest on the money might put you off though.

hkw1

Ok, thanks. The real person bit comes in when setting up the account and also just in case we ever want to pay cheques in (he likes to go and pass it over the counter!) or if something ever goes wrong.

Rafter

I'd recommend that you both bank with the same bank for your sole and joint account.

The reason is you won't lose interest in the 3 days that money is transferred between your accounts.

As your partner is with HSBC and you are unhappy with A&L I suggest you should both move over to FirstDirect.

You may be able to get a £25 joining bonus each and they certainly used to pay you £10 if they mess up the transfer of your existing direct debits etc.

Transfers between first direct and HSBC accounts are instantaneous I believe, if you partner insists on staying 100% branch based.

Good luck.

R.

crana999

Hi, I have a flex account with debit card with Nationwide and have found it very good. Their internet banking is great - you can do all your bills etc online - and transfer money in/out of an e-Savings account easily if you want to.