Which bank to change accounts to?

realaledrinker

premierfella wrote: »

Where the account is in the child's sole name I assume it would not show up on the adult's internet banking !

Correct. The next problem is trying to get your 7 year old coached in answering the security questions on Armchair Banking in an attempt to set up Internet access!

Op47

Of your options, I would go with Lloyds, because if the worst comes to the worst you can actually go into the branch and breath fire at them (or show them the evidence). Lloyds do not have the portable card readers. That's a drawback to be, but it sounds like it would suit you.

tightarsey

Cooperative/Smile once stood out against the other banks, in that their rates were great, the secure message system sent out quick actual answers to your problems - it 'was' perfect.

11.5 years since Smile began - and its starting to show. Secure messages are now brain-dead auto responses, interest is non-existent, they've made some huge f*ck-ups recently, such as replacing existing Visa Electron cards starting 4508, with identical issued Visa 'Online Debit' Cards, using the same card number, which meant all existing Visa Electron Cards (with electron logo) issued then failed to work as 'Electron' on websites - some customers actually want a Visa Electron card (due to the airline fees), to make matters worse they lied through their teeth - and say its not an issue.

On the plus side, their banking system is simple, reliable and does work - you very rarely can't access the system (can't think of a single time in 11.5 years (though there probably was) - opened in Nov 99) - its not fancy, it just works. You can use Cooperative Branches when you need to, and pay in at Post Office, and cash shows up straight away.

The feature I like the most, is if you do go overdrawn slightly, if you pay in cash that day before 5.30pm at the Post Office and cover the short fall - there are no charges. Best thing to do is have a Halifax Card Cash Account aswell (with a 'real' Visa Electron card - for booking flights), and in emergencies use it for topping up the Smile account, as the Visa 'Online Debit' Card* with Smile now incurs charges related to Visa Debit. (*Its not a 'real' Visa Debit Card, if you card starts 4508)

Its a shame I got met so much dishonesty with their call centre staff & Management, with their attempts to cover-up their Visa Electron Card f*ck-up.

Tony_M_2

Would like to jump in on this one, I called First Direct yesterday but my application was declined! quite shocked to be honest. I've been with abbey/santander for the last 15 years, so has my wife. OK so I have an overdraft just over £1K and I have read that FD can be more strict than other banks.

So now to plan b and finding another option, I called NatWest as I have my mortgage with them but I don't see any benefit moving to them. Lloyds seem to get mixed reviews although it's nice to see most of the people on this thread seem to have only positive views on Lloyds.

I'm used to Santander's online banking which is quite good, although I hate calling them it's so tedious. So I'm looking for a decent current account, will need an overdraft although only £250 will be needed and, hopefully a UK call center.

Shame about FD though as I was looking forward to moving to them. Anyone know how long I need to wait to apply again. If I reduce my overdraft that should help, right?

Cheers.