Banks to avoid

Cmdr_Bond

Apart from SATAN-der...

Are there any other main high street banks I should be looking to steer well clear of?

Or are they all pretty much as bad as each other?

pmduk

I doubt whether there are any high street banks who won't get criticised in a post like this. There are several banks I'd avoid either because I've had problems with them, but equally, other people will say that they're marvellous.

dunstonh

this is a consumer website. You won't find a single company that someone wont have a bad thing to say about it.

Or are they all pretty much as bad as each other?

Generally speaking, for the provision of banking services, most of the UK banks do a very good job. The traditional banks generally offer more banking services than the ex building societies. However, it would be wrong to call them as bad as each other. It's when you get on to their non-core services and sales where banks tend to go wrong.

ironlady2022

Here are my reasons for banking or not banking with the banks

Cooperative - Only ethical bank on the high street, is a mutual and you get a dividend the more services (Coop Supermarket, savings, credit cards, funeral) you have with them as its owned by members

Nationwide - They use to be best for overseas spending but there are better ones, only reason I keep this is if you have a minimum turnover of about £800 per month, you get free European Travel insurance, I have checked policy and it is very good with minimum excesses of £50. This is my back up Current Account

Halifax Rewards Account - You can just have a rotating 1k standing order to get the £5 reward every month

I do not bank with the following such as RBS, Santander, Lloyds as they either been bailed out by thr banks or have very poor customer service (eg Santander)

First Direct are number 1 for customer service so this could be an option.

CREDIT CARD WISE

-Halifax Clarity for perfect exchange rate when you take your card abroad plus £5 per month if you soend £300 on purchases per month

-Post Office card for perfect exchange rate for overseas use aswell - this is my back up card

Cooperative Member's Card for 1% cashback on purchases within the Cooperative Family or 1/2 % cashback for purchases elsewhere. I use this after I have made £300 purchases on halifax credit card

-MBNA for purchases over £100 for 0% for 12 months

Hope this helps

ChristopherM87

Would most people agree the First Direct has the best customer service? What happens when you want to pay in a cheque?

Hazzanet

ChristopherM87 wrote: »

What happens when you want to pay in a cheque?

Post it to them, or walk/cycle/bus/car/taxi/other mode of transport to your local HSBC.

ChristopherM87

Hazzanet wrote: »

Post it to them, or walk/cycle/bus/car/taxi/other mode of transport to your local HSBC.

Ah OK, going to an HSBC kinda spoils the object of First Direct having good customer service

jen245

I was with Santandire, and moved to Natwest and Halifax, and I am happy with both of these banks. I have previously banked with Barclays, who were OK. It depends on what your needs are. I dont need access to a branch very often, only to deposit the odd cheque, as I do everything I need to online.

Lokolo

ChristopherM87 wrote: »

Ah OK, going to an HSBC kinda spoils the object of First Direct having good customer service

Whereas for me, I've never had a problem with HSBC's customer service and found them wonderful on the occassions I have had to speak to them

bendix

Never had a problem with any bank, and I have had banking relationships with institutions all around the world.

I've found that those who do have problems tend to be those who don't know how to properly manage their accounts, then then blame the bank for their own failings.

bendix

mayling03 wrote: »

Here are my reasons for banking or not banking with the banks

Cooperative - Only ethical bank on the high street, is a mutual and you get a dividend the more services (Coop Supermarket, savings, credit cards, funeral) you have with them as its owned by members

Nationwide - They use to be best for overseas spending but there are better ones, only reason I keep this is if you have a minimum turnover of about £800 per month, you get free European Travel insurance, I have checked policy and it is very good with minimum excesses of £50. This is my back up Current Account

Halifax Rewards Account - You can just have a rotating 1k standing order to get the £5 reward every month

I do not bank with the following such as RBS, Santander, Lloyds as they either been bailed out by thr banks or have very poor customer service (eg Santander)

First Direct are number 1 for customer service so this could be an option.

CREDIT CARD WISE

-Halifax Clarity for perfect exchange rate when you take your card abroad plus £5 per month if you soend £300 on purchases per month

-Post Office card for perfect exchange rate for overseas use aswell - this is my back up card

Cooperative Member's Card for 1% cashback on purchases within the Cooperative Family or 1/2 % cashback for purchases elsewhere. I use this after I have made £300 purchases on halifax credit card

-MBNA for purchases over £100 for 0% for 12 months

Hope this helps

What, exactly, is a 'perfect exchange rate'?