Bank recommendation

peterc2609

I didn't want to sound 'racist' or anything, but I don't really mind a foraign call center - just not an indian one. They just dont seem to be able to understand my scouse accent!

Bloomberg

opinions4u wrote: »

Isn't that a bit like calling the General Election result as a Labour landslide after the 2 Sunderland seats have been declared?

I said it LOOKS LIKE a clear winner is emerging, that is very different to saying we have a clear winner. Focus on 'LOOKS LIKE' and you will get a clearer picture.

spyrothedragon_2

Dammit! Just posted a new thread about RBS, and maybe moving to Santander. Wish I'd read this thread first. Oh well...
In my experience RBS are a disgrace. They tell lies and haven't a clue what they're doing. Run away! You'd be better off putting your money in a shoebox under the bed.
My wife is with HBoS, and they're better, but very quick to hit you with charges. I might move my business account to them, simply because they have a local branch. My other local options are Lloyds TSB and the Clydesdale. Anyone have good/bad experience of either?

mattcanary

I don't rate Halifax. They are inflexible and don't like accepting money at the counter to be placed into your account! (in the money-bags).

Bloomberg

mattcanary wrote: »

I don't rate Halifax. They are inflexible and don't like accepting money at the counter to be placed into your account! (in the money-bags).

I always maintain that the big four are the best with HSBC and First Direct being way ahead of the pack. The wannabe banks (Halifax and Santander etc) are in my experience/opinion very much a distant second best.

Voyager2002

The OP likes internet banking and seems to value a high quality telephone banking service. That suggests to me that First Direct would be a good choice. First Direct is the internet-banking branch of HSBC, and consistently comes near the top on surveys of customer satisfaction. They started as a telephone-banking business, and their call centre is in Leeds.

The other internet bank that is highly-rated for customer service is Smile (run by the Co-Op). I am very happy with Smile, but they are not really geared up to provide telephone banking, so if that is important to the OP he should look elsewhere.

Bloomberg

spyrothedragon wrote: »

Dammit! Just posted a new thread about RBS, and maybe moving to Santander. Wish I'd read this thread first. Oh well...
In my experience RBS are a disgrace. They tell lies and haven't a clue what they're doing. Run away! You'd be better off putting your money in a shoebox under the bed.
My wife is with HBoS, and they're better, but very quick to hit you with charges. I might move my business account to them, simply because they have a local branch. My other local options are Lloyds TSB and the Clydesdale. Anyone have good/bad experience of either?

I do not understand your statement about your wife being with HBOS, they are a group of banks.

mi_jardin

I have just moved my halifax account to hsbc, and they are much better. although, my natwest online is better still. the main point being that if i use my debit card, it shows my new balance instantly, where as hsbc takes a couple of days to show. (I mean the balance, not actually shoing you where the money has been spent)

spyrothedragon_2

I do not understand your statement about your wife being with HBOS, they are a group of banks.

She's with Bank of Scotland. They seem to be trying to keep a bit of Scottish identity up here, instead of simply rebranding as Halifax which I believe they've done in England. I thought I'd put HBoS to avoid any confusion! Oh well...

heloid

First Direct, if not them HSBC. Both have great service. However if you want good rates for savings etc open up a secondary account elsewhere. I use A&L as a savings account.

As for HSBC transactions showing. Cash withdrawals are instant and my available balance changes as soon as a I make a POS transaction. I thought it was standard for all for POS transactions to change your balance when the shop asks your bank for the money? (except maybe A&L )