Which bank has the best retail branch counter services?

jonesMUFCforever

I find that queues are time specific eg opening times we have people queuing outside then around 11.45 to 12.15, 1.00 to 1.30 (lunch hours)and just after 3 (school kids pick ups).

kenshaz

We all expect instant service ,relax ,look around ,stand and stare,what is the hurry,enjoy.

malky39

i live in a small village where i did bank with bank of scotland, they always seemed to have loads of staff but only one or two serving, they also found it nesessary to close at lunch time, this is why i left them and now use IF and nationwide agree nationwide normally have little staff on and well IF none and you do everything yourself.

Kilty_2

Found that the few times I've had to use my Bank of Scotland branch since joining that I've done so at the wrong time

Always very busy at lunchtime but there is staff at every counter, so certainly not understaffed.

Gordon_the_Moron

Gordon_the_Moron wrote:

Walk along your nearest high street on a weekend and look into all the branches see how things are going.

All of those who say it depends on the branch, I agree but the simple solution is do what I suggested in the post I quoted, have a look in all your local branches at a weekend or during busy times like lunchtime, see how they are coping. Be fair though, in a small branch with only a couple of staff one awkward customer can cause a big queue and that is not the staff's fault and could happen at any small branch. Don't worry about bigger branches trying the hard sell... know your stuff and if I try it with you at Natwest you can quote me happy telling me what better deals are available

regularsaver1

Not every branch or bank open on a Saturday.

My branch opens every Saturday until 4pm from 9am - it has for a long time, but still, people come in at 11.30 thinking we are closing at 12 and it gets so busy, but we manager and have full staff on. and people at opening, - if i used a branch i'd be wise and not go in at that time

We used to open Sundays too, but not enough people used the branch.

it works the same with appointments - I am always full booked with mortgage appointments on a Saturday, but it doesn't stop people walking in expecting to be seen straight away. It would be ok in the week, but not weekends. of course this depends on bank to brank, branch to branch

KTF

I always use the fancy ATMs (which seem to be unique to Nationwide) that Nationwide have in branch to pay in money/cheques and then do all the day to day stuff using their online banking so I have no need to go to the counter at all these days.

Moggles_2

I suspect most of us use online services and ATMs for routine banking and only visit a branch if something unusual occurs.

I've banked with the Halifax for more than 10 years now and my work takes me all over the place. I find the larger branches have separate information desks and the counter service is good. In smaller branches where cashiers deal with everything, service has deteriorated.

Moggles_2

... one awkward customer can cause a big queue ...

Granted. On the other hand, some cashiers seem determined to engage each of their customers in a lengthy conversation (I sometimes wonder whether it's written into their contracts), seemingly oblivious to the growing queue of disgruntled customers who wait to be served.

I bank with the Halifax, but visit other banks from time to time on behalf of family members so I'm not singling out any particular institution. Banks seem to me to be obsessed with sales targets these days and this is one reason why counter service has deteriorated.

Gordon_the_Moron

I'm a cashier and I don't, I do suggest relevant services (as we're expected to) like asking about savings accounts if someone pays a large sum into a current account or asking about Natwest Advantage Gold (through grated teeth) to people using their overdrafts. The interest rate differences don't matter when you can get a better overdraft rate and better in credit rate for free than Advantage Gold offers, taking Advantage Gold just for that difference would almost certainly lose you money as the extra interest/less interest (depending on whether its borrowing or lending) would be worth less than the £144 a year Advantage Gold costs.

That said I don't hold people up much, just asking simple questions then if they are interested offer to let them speak to an expert independant financial advisor offering you the best value services possible for your money (I am being sarcastic before you jump on me)

Also to be fair, dealing with some customers enquiries can take longer than others depending on what they want. Yesterday I had someone in wanted to pay in 11 cheques in 6 different currencies. He also wanted to withdraw £2000 in cash (which a manager needs to authorise) get something like this in a big branch no problem, get one in a branch with 2 cashier, it can cause a queue.