Co-Op Bank account for Premium Accounts

tonynz

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone got any advice on a decent bank that I can switch to.

I am currently with Barclays and have had a lot of troubles with them in the past so I am looking to switch.

I did apply for an account with Santander but was rejected an account despite me having no debts and paid Amex Platinum Credit Card in full for the past three years at least.

Anyway I looked at Co-Op's deal and how I can get their premium account for only £13 a month, first year free.

Anyone had any experiences with Co-Op bank?

Thanks in advance.

apt

You get the Privilege Premier for £13 per month. I had one for about 6 months on a previous offer of £100 cashback. It's fair enough and the Airport lounge benefit was worth about £60 to me. However, I did not use enough of the benefits to justify the £13 per month fee. Co-op usually comes near the top in consumer satisfaction surveys, although First Direct is a bit better in my opinion.

Morn

I have always had good service from the COOP. The only potential issue is whether you need access to a branch or whether telephone and internet banking is good enough?

Otherwise as apt said, they get good reviews.

Rafter

Unless a branch is a priority then Smile (part of co-op) or First Direct would seem to be the best in your situation. Wouldn't bother paying for a premium account unless you are really going to use a lot of the benefits though.

R.

apt

You do not have to pay the monthly fee for a year if you use their transfer service and pay in £800 with the current offer. There's no problem altering your account to a non-fee paying account at the end of the year.

tonynz

Rafter wrote: »

Unless a branch is a priority then Smile (part of co-op) or First Direct would seem to be the best in your situation. Wouldn't bother paying for a premium account unless you are really going to use a lot of the benefits though.

R.

What if I lose my card and needed money desperately? Can I withdraw from a partnered branch (Post office, Partner bank? etc)

Morn

I have used the Post Office to pay into the COOP before so I am assuming that its the same the other way round.

lasvegas303

If you call them the service is good. There are two accounts they are offering the privilege for £9.50 which is free and the premium acc which is £13. Both are free if you move your account across. If you have an Iphone like me the insurance is expensive and the top account covers it.

maggiej_2

We've recently opened a new current account with the Co-Op Bank - Current A/c Plus with a view to closing our A&L (Santander) a/c. It's early days yet but overall, our dealings with the Co-Op have been very good. Unlike A&L, the telephone banking no is an 0845 .... which if you use after 1900 hrs or at weekends is free! Obviously if you need to contact them during normal times, you have to pay but at least it's not a premium no as with A&L/Santander. Also unlike A&L you are not kept waiting in a queue for too long which helps.

We also use their internet banking. Sadly, this is not too good in comparison to A&L. Very basic, clunky and outdated (although quite easy to use). However, that said it is adequate. One irksome point is, that unlike most bank internet sites, it takes a couple of days for debits to show and as such the available balance is never 'real time'.

With regards to drawing money and making deposits, this can be done over the counter at the Post Office.

Hope this helps

lasvegas303

Oh well great sounds like I may get good service and a free account for a year

Ghostrider

Interesting, why are you looking to switch?

I've been a Barclays Premier customer for a while now and for the £17 p/m it costs I find the benefits it provides are good for me (appreciate not everybody would), but above that I get great service on the phone and in the branch, I can even queue jump in the branch with a wave of the old black debit card, not that i've ever had the ghoul to do it mind!