AL account Yes or No?

GeCon

Hi,
Some time ago the AL current account was recommended on this site for good interest rates.

I think the one recommended was Premier Direct CA. Anyway, I applied for it - but wasn't accepted. Instead they have offered me a normal Current Account. I currently have a current account with HSBC.

I have tried to figure out how much interest both accounts offer but seem to be unable to find anything.

I am now unsure whether I should change my CA.

The things I am considering are:
- Interest
- Cash machines. I know that I can withdraw money with my HSBC card from pretty much any cash machine free of charge. How would that be with AL? Any experiences?
- Apply for CC. When I want to apply for a CC, will it look better if I have stayed longer with HSBC (continuity)?

I really don't know. Any help would be much appreciated.

masonic

IIRC, A&L actually pay no interest on their bog-standard current accounts (Put off yet? ). As far as cash machines are concerned, it's the same story as HSBC, although A&L will have fewer of their own cash machines about. And I doubt the odd change of current account would make much difference when applying for a credit card.

Sitrus

I've copied my earlier post to someone having trouble switching to A&L:

All I can say is DON'T DO IT!! I started the process of changing my account to A&L (can't even remember why, I think free overdraft or something) but they managed to mess up all my direct debits, spent time and money doing it myself in the end!! As they had never closed my HSBC account, I actually went to HSBC and said that if they could match overdraft offer would love to stay with them. They agreed and have been a happy HSBC customer as I was before I had the great idea of changing!! I did complain to A&L but it all left a bad taste in my mouth and would not recommend them to my worst enemy. They also have bizarre rules about being able to withdraw cash from branch - with premier account no supposed to take out less than £250 but have to order it in if want more than £250.

From my experience - if you're happy with HSBC, stay with them!

GirlRacer_2

I applied for the A&L Premier Account and was declined, but they did offer me the bog standard account. It started off really well. Had cheque book, welcome pack and debit card within a week but it all seems to have gone downhill this week! Had internet banking details, tried to log on and couldn't. Then had a letter saying phone this number and they'll sort you out. Been through to Leeds, Liverpool and back to Leeds and still not getting anywhere.

Have always had a cardcash account with Halifax and even though Halifax are not the best, have never had these sort of problems with them. Have therefore decided to keep my DD account with Halifax and just use my A&L account to pay cheques in (they clear much quicker than the Halifax Cardcash account). Don't think I could myself through the stress of using the A&L switching service!

On the plus side - I haven't yet been put through to a call centre in India!