Switching Nationwide to.........?

jinkster

I am thinking of switching accounts from Nationwide to........?

Basically I deposit £2500 to £3000 into my account from employment and interested in a new bank account. I don't want to pay for services - free travel insurance, mobile phone cover etc. But I do expect a service from a bank - such as Nationwide offered free currency withdrawals abroad.

Can anyone recommend?

I would look into Private Banking but my salary is only in the region of £45,000.

Thanks.

scott_lithgows

Only 45k-might be tough!
Norwich + Peterborough are bringing out a foreign holiday friendly card in January,not with them myself but if thats what your looking for.....

jinkster

I just expect a bank to offer a good service!

gt94sss2

jinkster wrote: »

I just expect a bank to offer a good service!

If you want good service, try First Direct.

Regards
Sunil

missile

jinkster wrote: »

I just expect a bank to offer a good service!

Most banks do, but you are not going to find a free banking equivalent to NW flexaccount. NW charges for withdrawing money overseas are still one of the best deals.

benjus

If you can get to central London, you could open an account with Metro Bank if you really care about free overseas withdrawals. Metro Bank essentially offers what the FlexAccount used to offer - worldwide free use. I don't think you have to live in London, but unless things have changed you do have to open the account in-branch. You do get handed the debit card there and then, which is pretty good.

I've been quite happy with the Metro Bank customer service so far.

DrSyn

If you just want service from a bank as you say then its First Direct or the Co-op bank!

If its a 0% foreign exchange fee credit card your after, then what about the "zero credit card" from Santander. It will proberly also have the advantage of making the service from your present bank appear good, if what I read on this site about Santander is true!

If your salary really is £45000, worrying about free currancy withdrawals abroad does tend to make you look like a skinflint. However we are not told anything about your outgoings.;)

jinkster

Well I'm a pilot by trade so travel abroad quite a bit with work and being a low cost outfit - I have to pay for it!

Loughton_Monkey

It has to be First Direct.

Their service (especially telephone) is exceptional and they truly 'care'. Savings products are not brilliant (except for 8% Regular Saver). Offset Mortgage is a gem.

apt

First Direct is a good choice for your main current account, but its charges for foreign use are high. So Metro Bank, Norwich & Peterborough, Cumberland BS would be good options for an addtional account for foreign spending.

Nessie23

Hi,

Smile and the Coop bank are offering a free packaged account for one year if you switch over to them

http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1193206371591,CFSweb/Page/Bank-CurrentAccounts?WT.mc_id=home_static_right_2209

The package includes phone insurance, travel insurance, european mtor breakdown assistance.


If good service is the most important for you then you should consider First Direct, their service tends to be good and friendly.

As mentioned for overseas withdrawals you could consider a
Metro Bank account. Have a look at MSE's article for more cheap options on withdrawing money abroad http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?dd