Smile - Are they any good?

UncleJoe_2

I have been meaning to switch my First Direct internet bank account (very poor interest and naff website) to either Smile or Cahoot (better interest rates).
I noticed the thread about the free case of wine from Smile, but aside from that I have heard lots of things about them giving poor customer service. I also noticed it takes 7 days to pay in money!?

Can anyone recommend Smile, or Cahoot, or any other internet account provider?

k_bagpuss

I've been with Smile for about 6 years now and honestly cannot fault them! Customer service been spot on, very helpful, not in India! lol! Been very accomodating with me and it's never taken 7 days for me to get money paid in!

onestep

hello

I can definitely recommend smile (and would be happy to refer you so we get our wine!!) I've had a current account with them for over 8 years now. There's never any problem paying things in, either at the post office, or through the post, and it's always quicker than 7 days.

PM me if you have any more smile questions.

HTH

onestep

rowlers

I can reccomend both Smile and Cahoot, been with cahoot about 6 years, and smile less than a year but both have been friendly and helpful!

Bernie

...I've just had to check, we are on Month 91, over 7 1/2 years with Smile.

Straightforward, decent interest (except on ISAs, moved them on years back).

The accounts go like clockwork, quick responses to the internal email, instant transfers between Smile accounts - very handy for subbing the kids!

Post Office access is a real boon too... Open Saturday as well.

:beer:

CopperPlate_2

Been with smile 3 years - couple of small niggles over that time, but other than that very pleased with their customer service - pay in at PO's - post cheques - quick, friendly service and the website is slick.

Also the ethical aspect is an attraction too. Too many banks are out to make a killing and forget they have a responsibility too.

CP

Hazzanet

I've been with Smile for about six years, generally they're really good - helpful on the phone, answer secure messages within about 24 hours and I think their products are pretty reasonable.

On the bad side, I've had reason to have words (bear in mind over 6 years!) over the following:

* Not issuing chequebooks quick enough.
* When replacing tatty cards, old ones stop working.
* Refusal to issue Chip and Signature card.
* Giving me a middle name (I don't have one) when recently opening an account.
* Losing a US$ cheque, making promises to sort, and not pulling through on the promises.

Overall, I'd say that I'd give them between 7 and 8 out of 10.

Hazza.

maryotuam

I've been with Smile for 6 years and I've found them okay. Their customer service is particularly good and it's nice to know they don't have money invested in anything iffy.:D

margaretclare

I recently switched from cahoot to smile.

I'm very pleased with them!

Margaret Clare

Greycrow

I've banked with them, practically, from day one.
Their system is user friedly and I've never had a problem with them.
On the negative side their rates are pretty run of the mill.

wongo

I've only been with them a year and joined them for ethical reasons. My experience is similar to the other posters:

great customer service
good access via post offices
great user-friendly website, simply and logically laid out

my only moan is that depositing cheques via the post office seems to take ages.