basic bank accounts

theGrinch

I am looking for some advice for a friend who has just returned to the UK to care for a sick relative.

She is looking to open a bank account with a visa debit card, online banking, the option for branch transactions, debit and standing order payments.

She has seen two basic bank accounts - one with Natwest and the other with HSBC. Does anyone have any feedback on these two accounts or can recommend any other options, which may or may not be "basic back accounts"?

thanks.

jen245

Not sure about HSBC, but Natwest's basic account has a Visa debit card that can only be used in RBS/Natwest cash machines, like Lloyds TSB. Your friend might be better off with a Barclays or Co-op basic account, which don't have any ATM restrictions

ian_h

As the other poster says Nat West now restrict ATM use to their own group ATM's however AFAIK HSBC Dont even offer a Debit card, just a cash card.

Barclays & Co-op are the two Basic A/c's that seem to offer the widest range of features and Co-op are regularly in the top 2 for Customer Service (also with the Co-op dont worry if you dont have a local Co-op Branch as it can be operated through the Post Office, Online and by Phone).

crazyguy

Halifax has a basic account and debit card to !

jen245

crazyguy wrote: »

Halifax has a basic account and debit card to !

Yes, but its an Electron, which isn't as widely accepted as Visa debit. Good for beating extra charges on flights though

theGrinch

thanks for the feedback. I will let her know.