Banks to avoid

Bloomberg

Lokolo wrote: »

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

I could not agree with you more, they are the best UK bank by a country mile. The on line and in branch service is top notch. The staff are very professional and helpful, there is no safer place to put your money apart from in government bonds. The fact that they have not had to get their begging bowl out to the government is also a plus.

Some of their investment packages have also done extremely well too. It is however worth remembering that ANY bank will turn nasty if you default on an agreement.

My friend is with Santander, we were in town together and went into the branch - a poxy little one. There was man behind the counter with the longest beard in the world which probably had insects in it. He looked like his mind was elsewhere - Santander all over.

Bloomberg

ChristopherM87 wrote: »

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

You go to your local HSBC of which there are plenty. If you are one of the few people who do not have a nearby branch there is always the post.:mad:

Bloomberg

bendix wrote: »

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.

I cannot even begin to argue with you - 100% correct.

I believe that a lot of people on this site exaggerate how badly they have been treated, it would be interesting to hear the bank's side of the story. I am sure that in many cases our sympathy would be very limited.

pmduk

Bloomberg wrote: »

I cannot even begin to argue with you - 100% correct.

I believe that a lot of people on this site exaggerate how badly they have been treated, it would be interesting to hear the bank's side of the story. I am sure that in many cases our sympathy would be very limited.

To put the other side of this, I am on a low income. I've had financial problems in the past, but for the last 10 years have never been overdrawn nor bounced a direct debit. (mainly because the fees concentrate my mind.) I have had many customer service issues with banks, if you don't have funds to put into their added value accounts they can be very unhelpful, if not dismissive, whatever lipservice they're paying to financial inclusion.

Bloomberg

pmduk wrote: »

To put the other side of this, I am on a low income. I've had financial problems in the past, but for the last 10 years have never been overdrawn nor bounced a direct debit. (mainly because the fees concentrate my mind.) I have had many customer service issues with banks, if you don't have funds to put into their added value accounts they can be very unhelpful, if not dismissive, whatever lipservice they're paying to financial inclusion.

Sadly we live in a world were 'No money no talk' is the norm. I do agree that it is very sad when a bank treat people as low priority just because they do not have a bulging bank account.:(

pmailkeey

HSBC seemed to be about the best cust service-wise (aka First Direct). I ended my custom with them over a repeated credit card outgoing - closing the account put a stop to that.

For some reason, I went and opened a Halifax account. Closed that when a branch refused to serve me (withdrawal) citing that it was a 'cashless branch'.

I now bank with mattress. Interest rates are comparable with other banks, service second to none and has better security - based on the 7k Sainsbury's bank lost me.

I've a Capital One credit card and won't touch websites that use Mastercard securecode or verified by visa as these aren't secure for us, they're secure for the retailer - who gets the money whether you've provided your pin no. or not!

pmduk

rb10 wrote: »

This is a myth that many people believe.

In reality, there are few day-to-day banking services that you cannot get from any high street bank, regardless of their history.

It's more that the traditional banks seem to have it all better organised in my experience.

opinions4u

Closed that when a branch refused to serve me (withdrawal) citing that it was a 'cashless branch'.

What on earth were the staff meant to do? Break in to an ATM for you?

dunstonh

rb10 wrote: »

This is a myth that many people believe.

In reality, there are few day-to-day banking services that you cannot get from any high street bank, regardless of their history.

The ex building societies still typically restrict you on cash handling. e.g. limits on coin, limits on how much you can withdraw over the counter in cash.

They are also pretty light on business services as they are more focused on retail consumers.

Closed that when a branch refused to serve me (withdrawal) citing that it was a 'cashless branch'.

i didnt spot the smiley in that post. It has to be a joke...doesnt it? I mean, who would get angry at a a cashless branch not offering cash.

I cant see that on this thread.

sponsmith

Bloomberg wrote: »

I cannot even begin to argue with you - 100% correct.

I believe that a lot of people on this site exaggerate how badly they have been treated, it would be interesting to hear the bank's side of the story. I am sure that in many cases our sympathy would be very limited.

My first post on this forum and nice to see people talking some sense about banks for a change!