MSE News: Metro Bank opens its doors today

Equatorial_Guinea

Wow, I can't believe how cynical you guys are. You don't even bank with them yet.

I finally got my account yesterday. It was my 3rd attempt. The queues on Saturday and Sunday were so long (2 hours plus) that I didn't want to wait. I was actually turned away and told to

I'm American and Metro Bank is going strong in the States. About 5 years ago Commerce Bank opened in the New York Area-- exact same model as Metro bank. Even the decor was similiar... and even the free pens they give out were similar. I wonder if it was owned by the same company? Commerce bank was bough out by TD Bank North who offer a similar service.

The thing that I like about those banks is that they have great service. I love their free coin counter. I love how when I went in there with my little doggy they welcomed her. The staff at Natwest Look aghast when I try brining my little yorkie into the bank.

Issuing a bank card on the spot is nothing new. Citibank ($hittybank) was doing that when I lived in New York 15 years ago. In general, I find that banking in the UK is way slower than banking in the US. I think Metro Bank gets UK banks up to American standards.

When I was in Metro bank yesterday at 7:30 PM the bank was FULL of customers. I feel optimistic about this bank.

You guys should give it a chance until you have a real reason not to.

KingElvis

^^ doesn't change the fact that their website looks like a bag of nails.

apt

They may give out debit cards on the spot and to be more welcoming to dogs, but I doubt America is a better country for personal banking than Britain.

MoneySavingUser

and that they have no competitive products!

MrTomato

MoneySavingUser wrote: »

and that they have no competitive products!

They're competitive when it comes to using your card abroad.

Spooneroonie

Equatorial_Guinea wrote: »

Wow, I can't believe how cynical you guys are. You don't even bank with them yet.

I finally got my account yesterday. It was my 3rd attempt. The queues on Saturday and Sunday were so long (2 hours plus) that I didn't want to wait. I was actually turned away and told to

I'm American and Metro Bank is going strong in the States. About 5 years ago Commerce Bank opened in the New York Area-- exact same model as Metro bank. Even the decor was similiar... and even the free pens they give out were similar. I wonder if it was owned by the same company? Commerce bank was bough out by TD Bank North who offer a similar service.

The thing that I like about those banks is that they have great service. I love their free coin counter. I love how when I went in there with my little doggy they welcomed her. The staff at Natwest Look aghast when I try brining my little yorkie into the bank.

Issuing a bank card on the spot is nothing new. Citibank ($hittybank) was doing that when I lived in New York 15 years ago. In general, I find that banking in the UK is way slower than banking in the US. I think Metro Bank gets UK banks up to American standards.

When I was in Metro bank yesterday at 7:30 PM the bank was FULL of customers. I feel optimistic about this bank.

You guys should give it a chance until you have a real reason not to.

Apologies, I was one of the cynical people earlier. What irritates me - at this stage, and I admit they have not had much of a chance - is what their focus seems to be. Making a massive PR play of "free dog biscuits" and "No stupid bank rules" (not sure what current bank rules they view as stupid?), says to me that they are more interested in style rather than substance, an opinion that I feel is validated by the appearance of their website. I agree with earlier posters that the acid test for the bank will come in how they treat customers who go over their overdraft limit or what happens when the bank makes a mistake (which it will, they all do).

For the time being I see nothing in their products or service offering that is even making me want to go and have a look.

[Deleted User]

I'd be less cynical if they had more branches and the ability to open an account online. Otherwise it's just a Londoners' bank.

pumpkin_eater

They give a current account to ANYONE no matter how low the credit score, defaults, CCJs etc.

classworthy

OK, I'm a cynical old Brit but there just seems something not quite right about a bank that calls its branches ' stores ' . I'm surprised they didn't use Money Center like Plumb Center or Build Center. Personally, I don't use firms that can't spell 'centre' correctly. Having said that, if they give the public what they want then good luck to them.

iilg

So they open an account for you on the spot, what are the ID (& address) requirements/proofs, anybody know?