Student and Ethical Banking

Danstar_2

glenn_m wrote: »

My only minor gripes are that it would be nice to have the option to turn off paper statements, though I'm sure they'll implement this sooner or later

Natwest are always trying to get me to stop my paper statements but I like seeing it in writing every month and have it on file.

It makes banking seem more real on paper every month so I could scan through all my transactions if I really wanted to/need to than if its on a computer screen

Person_one

glenn_m wrote: »

I switched my main current account to them last year and they've been fantastic.

I don't have an overdraft but I once accidentally went overdrawn. I received a letter from them saying "we've noticed you've gone overdrawn without having an arranged overdraft. Please pay it back within a week to avoid any charges". :T
Whenever I've spoken to them over the phone the staff have been incredibly courteous.
I was a bit put off by their online banking at first, which on first glance appears to be very antiquated compared to other online banking sites. But I grew to appreciate that unlike other bank's websites, I don't need to dig through several different layers of menus in order to ammend a standing order etc.
My only minor gripes are that it would be nice to have the option to turn off paper statements, though I'm sure they'll implement this sooner or later, and it would be nice if their interest rates on their savings products were a bit more competitive.
All in all a big thumbs up.

I haven't had paper statements from them for ages, I just asked a nice man on the phone and they stopped!

I've been a co-op customer since I was 11! Coming from a working class family in Manchester it was pretty much automatic.

I've always been incredibly happy with them and even when banks were folding left right and centre last year I wasn't worried. I genuinely believe that they look after their customers money responsibly.

As for the ethical policy, well it depends on what's important to you but I like knowing that my money isn't supporting violence, discrimination or environmental damage. The ethical policy is updated regularly based on questionnaires given to customers.

Customer service wise, their telephone and online banking are top notch, easy to use and helpful staff. The branches aren't as busy as bigger banks and are normally helpful. When I was looking for a mortgage last year they had the best rate available by a long way. There's no high pressure upselling and they are efficient at dealing with fraud.

As you can tell, I'm a fan!