Smile - Are they any good?

PabloNeruda

Uncle Joe, as a bit of a tree-hugging yougurt knitter myself, I would encourage you to go with Smile if for no other reason than their ethical investment policy.

[Deleted User]

smile don`t want the pensioners then

This looks good for pensioners. Bank of England rate ( 4.5%) until 2011. I haven`t fully read the small print but it appears that you just arrange for your pension to be paid in

http://www.nationwide.co.uk/pdf/savings/P8865_Over65.pdf

CopperPlate_2

JohalaReewi wrote:

Went to open a smile current account online (as a backup to my main main current account elsewhere) and got to the end of the process where it says tick to accept the T&Cs. Buried deep in the T&Cs is the requirement that you put at least £1000 a month into the account. I wasn't keen to accept this so asked Smile customer services if this was correct, and they said yes it was.

Or pay in your pension or salary - which doesn't need to be a grand.

M_Thomson

CopperPlate wrote:

Or pay in your pension or salary - which doesn't need to be a grand.

Used to be the case, but I believe due to the overdraft offered, they are enforcing this rule for all new customers now.

CopperPlate_2

So I see. Had a quick look just now at the "compare accounts" page and I see they've removed the inference that you had to pay a grand into other banks accounts to get the high interest rates, but not their one. Shame.

[Deleted User]

I have been with smile for over 20 years and have no axe to grind. I have always been happy with them and their cs is excellent but I get the feeling that they are grinding us customers down. A few points off a % interest here and there when in credit and added interest for those in debit plus the £1000 stipulation.

20 years or not, I will have no hesitation in moving the bulk of my money into NW and I have set the ball rolling.

JollyNolly

I've got a smile account which I'm happy with, I also like the idea that they don't invest your cash on repressive regimes or things that ruin the environment. However, I wish they'd improve their online banking - I find it very "minimal" and doesn't give me the facilities I need, like being able to download statements, etc.

JollyNolly

Oh, and I forgot to mention that it is by far the hardest site to log into! (I use LTSB, Halifax, A&L, Woolwich, Skycard, etc). I suppose that probably makes it more secure, though.

hansi

I don't find a problem with that. They always send you an e mail to tell you that a statement is ready. Just log in and print it off.

[Deleted User]

jollynolly you can download statements. Logon to your current account and it says `previous statements` at the top.

I would never ever logon via an e mail link. Phishing etc