Do I have to move over to Santander?

THE-WIFE_3

I can still login to my A & L current account but before I get to it Santander are asking me to move over to an account that will have monthly bank charges, I still have free banking.

My question is - do I have to move or will they automatically do it without notice?

With all the comments I've read about Santander I'd rather stay where I am.

Lokolo

A&L are no longer existing, they are Santander. However you say a monthly bank charge, is this a fee paying account? They are most probably just trying to sell you the account, as they do have free bank accounts.

samwsmith1

Are you sure when you login to A&L it's not just asking you to move over to the Santander online banking system?
It asked me to do this yesterday.

THE-WIFE_3

Sam, I'm not sure what they are asking as when I looked at the FAQ's it stated about bank charges which stopped me pressing the button.

Thanks, guys, I'm just not sure what to do, whether to stay with them or totally changed banks.

Lokolo I must admit to ignorance about Santander's free accounts, they've tried in the past to get me to change to a Premier 50 account which I wouldn't do, free travel insurance is worthless to me being an asthmatic.

samwsmith1

If you are thinking of changing banks I would recommend First Direct, they are who I use for my main bank account and are excellent, you even get £100 for joining them.

THE-WIFE_3

Thanks for the recommendation, Sam. I must admit to looking at First Direct just now but I don't quite have the necessary amount going in every month to open an account, sadly.

samwsmith1

THE-WIFE wrote: »

Thanks for the recommendation, Sam. I must admit to looking at First Direct just now but I don't quite have the necessary amount going in every month to open an account, sadly.

You just need to open an esaver and put £1 in, then you get banking free, to get the £100 just cycle enough through to make it that you've paid in £1500 one month via your santander account for example - 3 lots of £500 for example, sending them back and forth.
I don't meet the salary criteria that is shown on the MSE page, but they accepted me, give them a ring on 0800 24 24 24 with any questions.
(I swear I don't work for them! Just a very satisfied customer)

Edit: Link with benefits that they offer - http://www2.firstdirect.com/1/2/banking/1st-account/in-detail/additional-services;jsessionid=0000uZYlaLrFJT2aMvyh_s-ofWp:11jmjm8n8

samwsmith1

Page 10 details additional products that make it free - http://www2.firstdirect.com/1/PA_1_1_S5/content/content_static/pdf/rates_charges.pdf;jsessionid=0000uZYlaLrFJT2aMvyh_s-ofWp:11jmjm8n8

THE-WIFE_3

Thanks Sam, I've just been looking at the Esaver on FD, I'll have a read again tomorrow to take it all in as I can manage what you are suggesting but at the moment the brain is winding down for the day.

G'night and many thanks.

samwsmith1

Ok, if you need any more help just ask I will be happy to answer.