Nationwide - any good?

jenny_13

Hi

My current bank is driving me up the wall due to their lack of security (changed my address without checking ID) and money being moved around accounts without my permission.

I now have a mortgage with Nationwide and the offer of £75 to switch came up. I was wondering what peoples experience are of them?

Thanks

rb10

In my experience, they are pretty good.

Pros:
* Good customer service.
* Good online banking.
* Free (or almost free) use of debit card abroad.

But ... their current account isn't really designed for people who are in credit, as it pays 0% interest, which is rubbish. So it depends on whether you tend to be overdrawn or in credit, but if the latter, there are much better accounts out there.

jenny_13

Thanks rb10 I don't have an overdraft so I'm always in credit although I don't think I've seen any interest on my current account for well over a year so that would be nothing new.

Chadsman

I used to be a big fan of Nationwide as I could transfer money instantly to/from their e-saver which once paid an excellent rate. Now the rate is very poor so I have moved most of my money elsewhere but just keep enough in the e-savings to cover any expected outgoings shortly after payday.
Their low charges on forex is still useful.

Paul_Herring

I've had no major problems with Nationwide; use them for a 2nd current account.

Inactive

Paul_Herring wrote: »

I've had no major problems with Nationwide; use them for a 2nd current account.

Ditto, same here, I use esavings + to keep a bit of interest on money that I may need urgently, it has some restrictions, but is better than most.

SimbaSimon

jenny_13 wrote: »

Hi

My current bank is driving me up the wall due to their lack of security (changed my address without checking ID) and money being moved around accounts without my permission.

I now have a mortgage with Nationwide and the offer of £75 to switch came up. I was wondering what peoples experience are of them?

Thanks

I was in the same situation several years ago with a local building society with a poor website. I joined the online banking using my mortgage account, then applied for the current account online. Got a current account and credit card at the same time and later opened a savings account to. Its painless if you already have a mortgage and the bonus for me is its a doddle to make overpayments on the mortgage. Transfer a few quid/several hundred whenever you have a little spare and your soon get the mortgage down a bit!

ani_ka0

Hi Jenny,

I love Nationwide! They have yet to annoy me at all!

I have a few current accounts, savings accounts and an isa with them, and they are the best that I have ever used.

I would recommend them. I pay pennies for using my arranged overdraft when I do use it.

I would give them a try, especially as you'll get the £75 quid and you're not happy where you are, what do you have to loose!

scottishblondie

I've been using Nationwide for my "travelling" account for a few years now. They've been pretty good, I've only ever had one problem with them. I don't use the account regularly, only when I'm going abroad, as they are (as far as I know) the cheapest in terms of charges when withdrawing cash or using a credit card. Their internet banking is reliable and easy to use, and their staff are generally very helpful and polite.

damoandclaire

I have been a nationwide customer for nearly 6 years. At first, not an issue. Very good bank account, very good staff. Had a basic account because of the time I was going through. After running the account with them for approximate 4 years without a single problem and on average around 20k a year going through it, I decided that I would try for a debit facility (no overdraft, no credit), just a debit card rather than the ATM only card. They turned round and said no, I wasn't worthy. Walked in to Lloyds TSB 10 minutes later and got one straight away without question. I kinda realised that Nationwide in my opion didn't really give a monkeys about my custom and just my money, which has now gone elsewhere.

cupcake83

I've been with Nationwide for 11 years, I have two current accounts (one is joint) credit card and savings account and have found them very good and very easy to transfer money. Would have to agree with damoandclaire that they are a bit picky, partner couldn't get a debit card yet allowed him to have a credit card (weird).

Not so good if you fall in financial difficults, I missed one (in the whole 5 years I've had the cc) payment on my card and they rang both my mobile and home phone throughout the day and this was the day after the payment was due.