Can anyone help me with choosing a bank?

shadowdogg

Hi,

I am currently a student and don't care for overdrafts so I specifically want to be allowed not to have any at all, if I run out of money - I simply run out.

What is most important to me is a very secure internet banking system, people who look after your money and if there are any suspicious activity warn you about it. Obviously this being free too.

Really, I would like the ability to also just blanket block transfer of money from internet banking too. Just in case I did manage to get something on my PC. Though I do have paid for Eset smart security 5 and I am very happy with it.

Little extra perks is always a bonus but because I don't want any overdrafts at all. Maybe they won't like that.

Also debit card is a must - don't want visa electron, they always seem to have some issues on websites. Sometimes mastercard debit also has issues with extra fee's so probably maestro is the best card.

I am currently with Yorkshire Bank but I don't really care for them too much really and I am thinking that maybe I should bail before too much stuff later in life is just to much linked to my account. I presume I can change my bank details fairly easily on student loans website and I don't have any bills.

Many thanks to those who take out the time to offer me suggestions and for reading this.

Lokolo

Everyone's different.

I like HSBC and Lloyds, others on this forum don't. Just go for one, don't like it, move.

atypical

To be honest, I think you're paranoid. I believe HSBC requires you to use a device which generates a one-time authentication number to enable you to log into online banking. Most people hate it.

shadowdogg

atypical wrote: »

To be honest, I think you're paranoid. I believe HSBC requires you to use a device which generates a one-time authentication number to enable you to log into online banking. Most people hate it.

I suppose. Really all I want from my internet banking is knowing when something is in my account and how much money I have in my account but seemingly I can't just have that.

Think I might just use google chrome for signing into it and it to delete all cookies and sessions once I have closed it down

bouncydog1

HSBC provide a code card - bit of a pain but you learn to live with it! You can cancel the overdraft on the student account and you get 2 years free travel insurance and discount on lonely planet guides. 2% interest on current account balances up to £1k.

amiehall

shadowdogg wrote: »

I suppose. Really all I want from my internet banking is knowing when something is in my account and how much money I have in my account but seemingly I can't just have that.

Think I might just use google chrome for signing into it and it to delete all cookies and sessions once I have closed it down

How does that help you at all unless you think someone is going to physically steal your computer. I think it's very paranoid! Particularly as if there's a problem, your bank will refund you. I'm not saying be reckless but I wouldn't let it rule your life!

shadowdogg

bouncyd!!! wrote: »

HSBC provide a code card - bit of a pain but you learn to live with it! You can cancel the overdraft on the student account and you get 2 years free travel insurance and discount on lonely planet guides. 2% interest on current account balances up to £1k.

I am in second year now so probably won't be able to get that thing - I presume. However, HSBC does have some pretty cool stuff. I like the mini statement through text.

melancholly

i've used online banking for santander (A&L), halifax, lloyds and natwest..... all much of a muchness. the most important thing is to check your balance regularly so you can notice any issues.

i think blocking all online transfers is extreme...... i use it to pay friends for anything i need as well as bills (which you say you don't have any of?). if you're living at home (i assume) and getting full loans, it's worth getting a good savings account as you should be more than able to put money by. being able to transfer money from a current account to a savings account online is so much easier than telephone banking or going into branch. (and since loans are paid in big blocks, it's worth putting most into a savings account and transferring money monthly to get some interest since current accounts pay so little)

shadowdogg

melancholly wrote: »

i've used online banking for santander (A&L), halifax, lloyds and natwest..... all much of a muchness. the most important thing is to check your balance regularly so you can notice any issues.

i think blocking all online transfers is extreme...... i use it to pay friends for anything i need as well as bills (which you say you don't have any of?). if you're living at home (i assume) and getting full loans, it's worth getting a good savings account as you should be more than able to put money by. being able to transfer money from a current account to a savings account online is so much easier than telephone banking or going into branch. (and since loans are paid in big blocks, it's worth putting most into a savings account and transferring money monthly to get some interest since current accounts pay so little)

Very true, I think I am so used to paypal and how much security it provides. It even allows me to set up SMS code each time I buy now which I think is great. However, I also know the downside of paypal and thats the robbing fee's for sellers! AHH!!!

atypical

shadowdogg wrote: »

HSBC does have some pretty cool stuff. I like the mini statement through text.

NatWest also provides this for free. I think most of the banks do.

shadowdogg wrote: »

Very true, I think I am so used to paypal and how much security it provides. It even allows me to set up SMS code each time I buy now which I think is great. However, I also know the downside of paypal and thats the robbing fee's for sellers! AHH!!!

Most banks have some kind of extra authentication required for adding new payees. With NatWest you have to use a card reader, with Lloyds TSB they call you and give you a code.

That way if anyone were to log in fraudulently they'd only be able to send money to other people (which there obviously isn't much point in doing).