What is the best bank account for an OAP?

Incyder

pinkdalek wrote: »

Disagree with point 2 - basic bank account customers still require other products & services e.g. insurance (life, car, home) & savings all of which are profitable to banks. Many bank customers go to their bank for advice and quotes on such products, thank you.

Most basic account holders (I expect) don't have any spare cash for luxuries such as life insurance or a car.
Basic bank accounts are for the poor or risky customers. Their dole comes in, they then take it out in one go. No debit card, no cheque book.
Banks own products are usually very poor value and much better value can be found elsewhere, such as loan insurance.

pqrdef

Nationwide have a habit of giving new customers the basic account by default, and making them do probation before they can ask for the full account with offline debit card and overdraft facility.

LittleVoice

EltonJohnFan wrote: »

I personally don't really like RBS, have banked with them for many years now and been continually pestered about "upgrading" my account or opening investment products etc. I've heard enough about Santander to be wary of recommending them to her.

[I've banked with RBS for a long time - since they took over my Williams & Glyn's account - and not been "pestered" by them to upgrade, just normal reminders of the benefits!]

However, unless your gran is in Scotland, be aware that Santander are due to take over the English RBS branches.