the best internet banks

dave_gill

I'm interested in opening an internet bank account,
could anyone give any views on the various ones available and their pro & cons.

Any advice would be appreciated.

thanks

chimberazo

I was with Barclays for in excess of 30 years. Moved to Smile Bank (CO-OP) couple of years ago, no problems whatsoever. If you have a query you send a message, which is answered quickly. It's all a very laid back experience! If, however, you are considering moving overseas, Nationwide is apparently a good bet, as you can take out cash from ATMs without transaction charge. I couldn't go back to impersonal High Street banks anymore, preferring the more personal, distant approach of the internet!

Altarf

First Direct without a doubt.

student100

More or less every bank has online access to their accounts, so Martin's Banking articles might be of some help.

If you're thinking more about the usability of the online access, then I'm not really sure how the banks compare. I have a Halifax bank account and also a Halifax WebSaver account, so I can log into online banking and see the accounts together. I can make instant transfers between the two accounts online. I can also pay bills and make BACS transfers from my current account, set up standing orders and view and cancel direct debits online. Of course the most used feature is the statement/recent transactions part where you can see all payments etc. on your account. Some show up instantly on your account (e.g. over the counter cash deposits and ATM withdrawals) whilst other things e.g. debit card payments take a few days to show up. Still a lot better than waiting weeks for a paper statement though.

johnllew

Smile - a Which? Best Buy and has better rates and customer satisfaction rating than FD.

Walletwatch

Currently, the best rates are offered by egg - 5.5% for the first six months, after which it is 4.75% which is still pretty good - and we haven't had problems on their Customer Service either

That said, you need to say exactly what you have in mind as a requirement from such an account - you'll get more focused suggestions if you do so.

deemy2004

Halifax

all in one portal.

kazd

The thing that puts me off internet banks is having to send cheque deposits by post. I do not have enough faith in the post office to get my cheque to its destination. I like to have the facility of paying it directly into the branch. I used one of the envelopes avail at the post office once and it even got lost there for quite a few days.

pin

In that case go with First Direct. You can use HSBC branches to make cheque payments etc for First Direct accounts.