Two accounts where there's still good service

A._Badger

It's easy to complain (I know, I do it all the time) and in the light of the grumbling here abut Citibank, I didn't even bother tryng to lend them some money recently, when the time came to shuffle my accounts around.

It was more or less the same with Intelligent (sic) Finance - which had the cheek to ask me how much I earned when it was the one trying to borrow my money.

But praise is useful too, so here's some for NS&I and Birmingham Midshires.

The online application for a one year bond with NS&I was a doddle to complete, they direct debited the money in a day and sent me the form to sign a couple of days later. No requests for passports, driving licenses, inside leg measurements and all the rest of the fake regulatory idiocy one so often encounters.

Birmingham Midshires were even better. Application filled-out online at lunchtime yesterday. Letter in the post from them this morning, confirming they require no further paperwork, other than my signature and a cheque.

If anyone is looking for hassle-free savings and efficient service, I can recommend these two.

Hope that helps someone.

juicyjude

That sounds refreshing in this day and age!!!

bazster

I tried to open an on-line account with the Birmingham Midshires the other day,the link on their website simply took me to the AA's website - and I had already given up on the AA because they can't handle joint internet accounts.

I finished up opening an account with the Leeds. Very quick and efficient.

Lokolo

Yep different people have different experiences.

I have never had a problem with HSBC, Halifax or Lloyds. But I know others on this forum have a big problem with either one of them

Wobblydeb

Two I have been very happy with:

HSBC - banked with them for the past 17 years and only ever experienced minor problems (such as replacement debit card going to the wrong branch) which were very quickly remedied. Their rates aren't the most competitive, but the standard of service still ensures my mortgage, current account and savings are with them. Unfortunately, the recent demise of free overdrafts is driving me away.

First Direct - same bank, cheaper rates, yay!!! Opened an ISA and current account with them in the last 6 months. Everything has gone very smoothly, including the transfer of ISAs with other providers, and lots of direct debits. I've been very impressed thus far.



Two poor experiences:

Barclays - I took an ISA out with them March 2007. Well, I tried to. I think it was finally opened in May. It still makes me annoyed now to think of the poster in the branch window telling people "9 days to the deadline" to open an ISA. :mad:

Halifax - not terrible, but could have done better. Tempted by the high interest current account a couple of years ago, but they forgot to put the high interest flag on my account. They redeemed themselves by paying it without quibble when I spotted the lack of high interest paid on the annual statement! However, the website was worse than HSBC and payments were taking 3 days some time after HSBC had gone to 3 minutes. Closing this one now they have decided overdrafts should cost a shocking £1 per day! :eek:

withnell

A._Badger wrote: »

Birmingham Midshires were even better. Application filled-out online at lunchtime yesterday. Letter in the post from them this morning, confirming they require no further paperwork, other than my signature and a cheque.

Yes, they're very good when they're taking your money - problems occur when you
a) want the initial savings back and
b) are rude enough to want the interest you're owed!