switching from Barclays to Coop advice and tips

Athomas

I've had it with Barclays, this is purely an ethical decision and not about the service they've given me.

I want to switch my current account to COOP and would appreciate any tips or advice or anecdotes about them. I live in North West London and have always been put off by access to branches.

I can't live with Barclays any longer though

thanks in advance.

t.

agrinnall

If you've made your decision just do it, I'd imagine Co-op offer a switching service, and I doubt whether Barclays will shed any tears at your leaving.

bankhater_1965

maybe the day has arrived when we can all see barclays bankers jumping off the top of there tall buildings crashing to the floor , o what a wonderfull sight for all that would be

Athomas

Aside from COOP are there any other banks that are more 'ethically' orientated that people know of? I know Virgin and Metro have recently come on the scene.

InsideInsurance

How are you defining ethical? Are you just talking about how they operate on a day to day basis or also what types of companies they'll invest in etc?

Virgin - dont offer current accounts (yet at least)
Metro - claim to be customer orientated but not ethical as far as I can see

Your other natural option would be the Co-ops online offering of Smile.

As to how to switch.... open new account, complete switching form. Switching is managed by the BACS company for all banks so it doesnt matter who your new or old bank is the same service applies.

kevin52

I recommend Nationwide.

Athomas

@InsideInsurance

Ethical in terms of how they invest. Thanks for the tip on Smile looks promising.

BugsyBrowne

I was banned from my local branch of Barclays today, shortly after making a deposit...

..apparently it's not "that" kind of bank.. ! !

Dr_Cuckoo3

Islamic Bank of Britain :idea:

"We believe firmly that our products and services will appeal to anyone – Muslim or non-Muslim – who is interested in holding an account with a bank with our exacting ethical standards"
http://www.islamic-bank.com/personal-banking/

"The Islamic bank's ethical stance struck a chord with Lorna. None of its funds can be used for activities associated with tobacco, alcohol or pornography, for example"
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-1601140/I-chose-an-Islamic-bank.html

datostar

I've had a Co-op current account (not my main one) held at the Watford branch for about 25 years now and have never had to visit the branch. The online banking is a bit basic but does everything necessary. I have visited a branch recently (Luton) to pay in a cheque - didn't go specially as was in Luton anyway. Staff very pleasant and we had a nice chat. No problems at all with them so happy to stay. The bank may well be very ethical, but I'm not sure about the retail operations. My local small Co-op is like a Calais booze warehouse with the best part of half the space taken up with cases of beer and bottles of wine, most with special offers. If you are a Co-op member you do get a few points added to your account for bank transactions.

Hazzanet

Dr_Cuckoo3 wrote: »

Islamic Bank of Britain :idea:

How do you find the service with them?