"Premier" banking features, for the best price?

wontfallforit

Hello all,

Just wondering who has any kind of 'Premier' current account, and what types of features and benefits you receive, in relation to overall cost.

I used to hold a Premier Life Acc with Barclays, which included the following:

RAC breakdown cover
Worldwide annual travel ins.
£750 ATM cash withdrawals
Airport Angel membership (up to 6 visits to VIP airport lounges per year)
Home SOS service (like a mini home insurance policy, for leaks, explosions, etc.!)
Gadget Insurance
Extended warranty on household goods (adds 12 months onto standard manufacturer warranty)
Mobile phone insurance

All of the above were really useful to me, but the account also came with a lot of bumf that didn't really apply to me - such as a relationship manager, stockbroking service, and a concierge service.

I eventually cancelled, as it cost £25 per month. I was sad to see the features go, but I'm not made of money.

I'm looking for something that contains the features I've highlighted, for the best possible price. Specifically something that doesn't have strict eligibility criteria (i.e. some banks require you to earn in excess of £50k+, or have a certain amount of savings deposited).

Any ideas?

willo65

Nearest i could get is Adavntage Gold at Natwest but no Home emergency or Gadget cover £12.95 pcm

jambosans

You're going to have to make a concession on some things, or stump up £25. Lloyds TSB offer four Added Value Current Accounts (a.k.a. packaged), ranging from £7.95 to £25 per month. The top AVA, the Premier Current Account, is £17 for the first two months, then rises to £25. However, even that account does not come with all the features you've mentioned (but does come with others e.g. ID Aware).

At the lower end of the scale is the Co-Operative Bank Privilege Premier Current Account, which costs £13 per month and has the added advantage of a specific "bundle" (e.g. gadget insurance).

There's also the Halifax Ultimate Reward Current Account, costing £12.50 per month, but reduced to £7.50 when you fund £1k per month. This account's pretty fully featured, but still doesn't have everything on your wish list.

None of these accounts have high earning requirements. You simply have to pass the credit check, and obviously meet their bog standard current account criteria.

wontfallforit

jambosans wrote: »

You're going to have to make a concession on some things, or stump up £25. Lloyds TSB offer four Added Value Current Accounts (a.k.a. packaged), ranging from £7.95 to £25 per month. The top AVA, the Premier Current Account, is £17 for the first two months, then rises to £25. However, even that account does not come with all the features you've mentioned (but does come with others e.g. ID Aware).

At the lower end of the scale is the Co-Operative Bank Privilege Premier Current Account, which costs £13 per month and has the added advantage of a specific "bundle" (e.g. gadget insurance).

There's also the Halifax Ultimate Reward Current Account, costing £12.50 per month, but reduced to £7.50 when you fund £1k per month. This account's pretty fully featured, but still doesn't have everything on your wish list.

None of these accounts have high earning requirements. You simply have to pass the credit check, and obviously meet their bog standard current account criteria.

Thanks, will research.

I'm well aware that I'm expecting a lot for my money, but it doesn't hurt to try

opinions4u

Why not just get the Halifax Reward current account, bank the £60 a year in "rewards" and only buy insurance that you actually need, instead of the garbage that you get with a typical packaged account?

wontfallforit

opinions4u wrote: »

Why not just get the Halifax Reward current account, bank the £60 a year in "rewards" and only buy insurance that you actually need, instead of the garbage that you get with a typical packaged account?

Simply put, because I'm lazy, stingy and greedy at the same time

I need:

- Breakdown cover
- Annual travel insurance

I should have:

- Mobile phone insurance (handset doesn't belong to my phoneline provider. It's second hand, but valuable...and I'm clumsy)
- Gadget insurance and extended warranty (I've often been the victim of the classic "it breaks down the day after the warranty ends" scenario)
- Home SOS service (despite the hefty account fee, Barclays have helped me out with a leak, and a locksmith service so far. They were really quick and efficient, and unlike home insurance policies, there's no excess charged)

I want:

- Airport Angel membership (though this is just my greed showing through...I'm unlikely to get a cheap "Premier" account that offers this)
- Over £300 ATM withdrawals (family member's wages get paid into my account and it's a hassle withdrawing the cash sometimes, as I live a fair trek from most bank branches in this area)

My "wants" are pure luxuries that I can do without, but my needs/should haves are products I really make use of. A very rough calculation prices them above that of a usual current account fee, if bought individually.

jambosans

Why not go for the Barclays Additions Active? £15 per month and comes with what you "need" and what you "should have" (except gadget insurance). Plus it would simply involve you downgrading from the Premier Life, instead of going through all the faff of switching banks.