Any advice on Smile?

Pineapple1989

I currently have been lucky enough to secure a new job, bringing my new monthly income to over £1000 per month.
Having heard some good feedback previously about Smile Banking I was wondering what your views are on the bank?

I currently bank with Barclays, and to be honest am a bit of a saver. Well.. I'm looking to get back into saving.. Smile appears to do some good savings accounts, however, I would need to change my main income to this account as you need a regualr monthly income of £1000 to even bank with Smile (please correct me if this is wrong..).

Would this be worth the change in your opinion? Or would it be best to stay with Barclays my current provider?

Many Thanks

rosmersholm

I've banked with Smile for a number of years. The worst aspect is the online banking - (try looking for some screenshots on google). It is truly atrocious and limited. The customer service is probably the best of all UK banks (as part of the Co-Op) but for the tech-savvy, it's like banking on a Commodore 64.

Chadsman

Pineapple1989 wrote: »

Smile appears to do some good savings accounts

I looked at Smile when I was looking to change from Nationwide as their interest rates are now disapointingly low but I couldnt see anything better at Smile. Which account were you looking at at Smile that is quite good?

Pineapple1989

Thank you both for your reply..

Having looked at a number of reviews and the screenshots of the online banking as suggested.. I can't really see much information that I like.

Its a bit disappointing, possibly not as good as i previously thought.

I'm happy with Barclays and their online banking facilites so possibly it would be best to stay with them but to look around for some more appealing regular saving accounts.

Thank You for you advice though!

samwsmith1

I would also consider First Direct as well, excellent customer service, online banking and an 8% regular saver.
A final bonus is also £100 when you open an account and deposit £1500.

thenudeone

Pineapple1989 wrote: »

Smile appears to do some good savings accounts

Are you kidding?

Their instant access account pays just 0.25%.:(

I bank with smile and whilst the web interface is dated it works okay.
But I wouldn't dream of saving with them!

Chrisblue1962

Personally, I would go for one of the many online savings accounts available as their rates are far superior to the likes of Smile and the Co-op. Mind you, I cannot fault the Co-op's Cashminder account .