Santander vs HSBC

billynobass

at present have current account and flexible saver with Santander but now deciding to bank elsewhere, HSBC seems to be the likely destination.
I know every bank has issues and complaints etc but am I jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?

bengalknights

HSBC generally very good bank alongside coop and barclays.

Baldur

billynobass wrote: »

at present have current account and flexible saver with Santander but now deciding to bank elsewhere, HSBC seems to be the likely destination.
I know every bank has issues and complaints etc but am I jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?

There's no comparison between the two.

One is a bank, the other is ................................. Santander.

adindas

It depends on what are you looking for. Maximize your saving, money then go for Santander. If for good customer services then go for HSBC. Santander product offer superior interest rate compare to HSBC. For safety, both are safe as it is guaranteed by FSCS up to £85k

I know a lot of people here are complaining about Santander, but my experience tell me that they are not as bad if you play by the rule.
But it is true that HSBC is much better in customer services ...

I have a/c on both of these high street banks so I can tell from my own experience.

ADINDAS

billynobass wrote: »

at present have current account and flexible saver with Santander but now deciding to bank elsewhere, HSBC seems to be the likely destination.
I know every bank has issues and complaints etc but am I jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?

Lokolo

A HSBC current account requires a minimum of £500 a month going into the account FYI.

adindas

And also nowadays they are more picky to open a new bank a/c. I have read quite a few people got rejected opening a new a/c

Lokolo wrote: »

A HSBC current account requires a minimum of £500 a month going into the account FYI.

Cmdr_Bond

Personally I have moved to Lloyds. My B-I-L is with HSBC for his business and Halifax for private. He doesn't like either of them, but I think that is probably because he is anti-capitalist and just does not like banks per se.

adindas wrote: »

...

I know a lot of people here are complaining about Santander, but my experience tell me that they are not as bad if you play by the rule

...

I would have to disagree with that comment from personal experience *points to sig*.

As far as bank charges (fair or unfair) different banks are better or worse, and with that I would agree with your statement. However, that is not customer service, which is the main thing people ARE complaining about. Myself included, and I did not break any rules at all.

To the OP, good luck with your move. I personally think anywhere is better than Santander and made my choice to move to Lloyds partly based on the online banking experience, partly on their reputation, but mainly because they have high street branches and my wife is already with them.

If you want the best CS, most people recommend First Direct (which is part of/owned by HSBC) or the Co-op. I hear a lot of people saying to avoid Barclays and Natwest. Personally I cannot vouch for any of those statements, and no matter where you go people will have problems and of those people, some will not be satisfied with the resolution. It is the law of averages I'm afraid.

Good Luck

billynobass

many thanks to all who have passed on their advice. HSBC will be getting a new customer.

themull1

Ive been with HSBC for 27 years and never had any problems, i have just closed my Santander savings account.....

McKneff

Halifax Current Reward account gives you £5 every month if £1k is paid into it each month.

Never ever had a problem with Halifax or HSBC to be honest,

Now Santander - how long have you got...................

Saints2011

Lloyds fab
Barclays bad call centres
Santander only one minor issue on closing old account
Nat west fine for what I had at the time
Nationwide appalling
Halifax ok for my fiver haha

All above from various different experiences ive had