Smile, Co-op, Nationwide, Clydesdale or Tesco - pros/cons please

blueberrypie

Can I have feedback from those who use or have used the following please?

Smile, Nationwide, Co-op, Clydesdale, Tesco Bank

I need an account that I can pay cash into. There isn't much selection locally - the only options really are Nationwide, Tesco (through local store) or the Post Office. I've discounted some of the banks that operate through the PO because it takes too long for cash to hit the account (LTSB, Barclays) or for other reasons (Santander, Cahoot - need I explain?)

Faster Payments implementation is important - I'd like to be able to transfer money out of the account the same day if possible, or at worst the following day.

On-line banking - I've no experience of any of the above so would welcome feedback.

I'd prefer to avoid use of a card-reader, but I suspect I'm going to be stuck with one with all of the above.

How long does it take for cash deposits made at a Tesco store to arrive in the account?

Opinions, please...

walzingmatilda

Can only offer my opinion on Co-op but I feel the internet banking is in need of a major update as to me its very old fashioned compared to others i've used, they do use the card reader.

The two times I have sent payment from my Co-op account expecting it to go as faster payments (to another account accepting faster payments and within the limits) went through as a three day BACS.

simongregson

Smile/coop are pretty much the same - Smile faster payments always work for me and cash is credited instantly at the PO. Agree the internet banking is a little old fashioned but it works fine

Nationwide have better internet banking but around us long queues in branch, although the paying in machines also credit instantly, and can only take out cash at the post office

Tesco cash credits instantly when paid in at the customer service desk but if you have a large amount they can be a bit slow as they are just using the till and slower to count cash than the bank. Also, you have to wait for all the people returning stuff, some of the staff have no clue how the personal finance bit on the till works so you have to wait for help. It is only a saving account, so no debit card. plus point - can pay in 24hrs a day if Tesco is open!

Others, no experience.

pmduk

I've had a Co-Op account for many years without problems. Nationwide have rubbish customer service now, I don't know the others, but I'd warn you that Cahoot is part of Santander, You can never go wrong by avoiding them.

[Deleted User]

co-op is excellent
nothing to go wrong there

blueberrypie

Thanks for all the responses. I think I'm going to open the savings account with Tesco and see how it goes, with Smile/Co-op as a possibility in future if I find the Tesco account doesn't serve my needs. The main point which has pushed me towards this decision is one that simongregson made - the local store is indeed a 24-hour store, and that certainly does make it convenient - as long as the funds are indeed credited immediately and the FPs work well.

If anyone else has anything to add, I'm still listening :-)

thenudeone

smile is okay.
Cash deposited at the PO counter appears the same day.
Faster Payments normally (but not always) work fine.
No card reader required to log on but usually required to set up or amend bill payments or standing orders.