is anyone happy with their bank?

ERICS_MUM

Errata wrote: »

I've been with Natwest - through all its incarnations - since 1963 without a moments bother.

Me too, but only since 1974. I'm very happy with their customer service and impressed with their on-line and mobile phone banking services.

Linda

huw01

Notice how the majority of people seem to be happy with the original banks on here i.e Barclays, HSBC (inc First Direct), Natwest and LTSB.

No big concensus towards the building society's who have converted to banks so far

opinions4u

huw01 wrote: »

Notice how the majority of people seem to be happy with the original banks on here i.e Barclays, HSBC (inc First Direct), Natwest and LTSB.

No big concensus towards the building society's who have converted to banks so far

That has probably got an awful lot to do with market share which, I believe, is 75%-80% skewed to those providers you name (including the RBS brand).

The one that stands out for me (always) on service is First Direct though. Relatively small provider that consistently gets people willing to praise it.

If you reworded the question "Which bank really pi$$es you off?" then words like "Abbey", "A&L", "Santander" would leap off the screen at you.

System

The so-called Credit Crunch caused me to re-asses the way the economy, businesses and banks in particular are run. I made a decision to support business models which are not based around the traditional shareholder principle. I applied for membership of the Co-operative society and moved my banking to the Co-operative bank. Since then I have moved sideways to smile which is effectively a branch of the Co-operative Bank. I even took my house & contents insurance policy to the Co-op and my car insurance to Liverpool Victoria (a Friendly Society, I believe).

I like the ethical principles of the Co-operative Society and I like the way their CS personel take time to talk to you like you are a fellow human being. Their ethical stance extends to prudent lending which is why critics sometimes criticise them for their slightly more cautious policy. It has meant they rode the recent storm pretty well and certainly didn't need bailing out by the tax-payer.

I am very much into computers and spend a lot of time on the internet. I find the Co-op/smile online experience absolutely fine - you can do everything you need to do and smile have a secure messaging facility so you can ask a question or get something else done if need be.

before_hollywood

i've been considering the co-op, as i like to be able to visit a branch if needed. one of the other considerations was i wanted a bank that didnt need bailing out by the taxpayer

elfen

Have used Nationwide, Halifax and Barclays.

Halifax used to annoy as they forgot to send letters when charges were coming out, or they wouldn't put the dates on - idiots. They also neglected to tell me I had PPI on my CC with them and that I could use it - but they did repay it sharpish

Nationwide - was with them for 4 years and had regular credits into the account, but they ALWAYS refused to give me a debit card - gits. Wont' hold it against them but they did mess me around a few times, and the Net Banking isn't as easy to use.

Barclays - been with them since July (student account) No probs with opening, did it in-bank on the day. When I had PIN problems, they were quick to send out new ones and let me know I could still use the card. Staff in-branch are friendly and always try to help as much as they can. Have had brill Online Banking over the Xmas/NY period, with it updating quickly and easily. Online Banking really easy to use and straightforward, especially with PINsentry. Only gripe is they show debits before credits, but I'm sure I can deal with that.

heloid

HSBC were great for a long time, but First Direct is even better. I only have my A&L account for 6% (which I will probably close very soon anyway).

Turtle

HSBC / first direct not bailed out by taxpayer. Im with fd, they are great (since 1997).

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

adonis wrote: »

I wonder how many many people left first direct when they started charging for current accounts with limited funds going in.?

Not many i wouldnt imagine.. all you needed to do was open a savings account or credit card if you didnt have one already and there was no minimum... (That was existing customers at the time they introduced the charges anyway)

aylithuk

I get sick to the back teeth of all the complaint threads about banks so it nice to see this kinda thread on here

I live by one rule when it comes to reviewing banks:
For everyone one person that complains there another person that has good service

Expection to the rule are those people that HATE all banks (ie the system)

Ay x