Co Op or HSBC

Gromitt

I had exactly the same problem, but it wasn't my first question so you can understand the confusion followed by the eventual account lockout and then having to repeat all my security questions to an advisor to get the account working again (and this 'advisor' answered the call stating he was from the mortgage department!)

Also, I was told by the advisor that after 3 incorrect logins, your PIN is 'erased', and you have to set a new one (which can be the same as the one you had previously, as they have no idea of your previous PIN)

The memorable date was fun also, as even though they said "You must type in exactly what you tell me for all your answers" it is clearly incorrect, as I told them a month prior to October (ie < 10), but I have to prepend the month with a zero for it to work!

darkvader

Well quite clear then why quite a few of us are not all that comfy with Co-op's online banking safety measures - for me, the driver to move the £200 reward for switching, before that Co-op was'nt on my radar - but I am not complaining, happy to put up to get the £200 and then use the account to move to another reward scheme

DV

themull1

HSBC - been with them for donkeys years, never had any problems.

samjef11_2

Really do you think i should close my 2 current account with the co-op and another thing Barclay's on-line banking i just don't like the interface it not good dose anyone agree with me?

Bloomberg

steve1980 wrote: »

for a bank account?

I have not had any dealings with the Co-op. I have however used HSBC for a long time and their customer service is excellent. The in branch service is also very good and their on line service is excellent and extremely secure.

Furthermore in this day and age of banks going under the global diversity of HSBC makes them very secure. HSBC is the safest place for your money outside government bonds. Whether rightly or wrongly I always think of banks outside the big four as Mickey mouse institutions, I know that many people here will disagree with me. Good luck whichever bank you choose.

steve1980

Thanks everyone, looks like the Co-Op is a definate no no.

I've applied for an account with First Direct as they are offering the £100 to switch to them. Got a phone call today because they couldn't call me at work (bit difficult as I didn't give them a work number as I work shifts, in security, in a high profile location. Told them that I could give them the number and they could phone me tonight when I was back on shift but couldn't do that, then asked for an address..then asked if they could phone my employers and be transferred to where I work....err, no!

Finally agreed on sending them a statement showing my salary being paid in to my account, but it had to be original. Hopefully it will all come back good!

pittswim

I just changed my account to Coop - it was the easiest switch I've had.
I know a few people who used HSBC, mostly because they traveled a lot. They all swear they will never use them again for various reasons. I've never used HSBC myself, but have never heard anything good about them.
So far I've been pleased with Coop's customer support, banking systems and I feel better about using them with their "more" ethical policies and fact that they're not shareholder controlled.

Bloomberg

pittswim wrote: »

I just changed my account to Coop - it was the easiest switch I've had.
I know a few people who used HSBC, mostly because they traveled a lot. They all swear they will never use them again for various reasons. I've never used HSBC myself, but have never heard anything good about them.
So far I've been pleased with Coop's customer support, banking systems and I feel better about using them with their "more" ethical policies and fact that they're not shareholder controlled.[/QUOTE


It is good that you are pleased with the Co-op. Personally I would find their lack of branches an issue.

sat_mad

Sorry to butt in, but could I please ask how First Direct's online banking compares to HSBC and Co-Op?

Gromitt

I much prefer FD OLB over Co-op as it's easier and more functional. I can't even find a 'Secure messages' section on Co-op OLB.

It's pretty much black and white though, so if you like colourful websites, your going to be disappointed.

No experience of HSBC.