which bank offers best online banking facilities? (Merged)

davidcampbell

Magentasue wrote:

and like it, more than Abbeys that isn't quite so flexible for things like making one off payments. QUOTE]



should be fairly easy. what troubles are you having sue?

DC

Magentasue

davidcampbell wrote:

Magentasue wrote:

and like it, more than Abbeys that isn't quite so flexible for things like making one off payments. QUOTE]



should be fairly easy. what troubles are you having sue?

DC

Probably being unfair to Abbey because it's nota big problem but with FD, it asks you what type of account (bank/credit card etc) and then presents drop down menus asking if it's Visa or Mastercard and so on. It finds the bank code and sort code so you can make a payment even if you don't know the payee's details. Just easier than Abbey where you have to input the details yourself.

dcurzon

yeah,i called barclays yesterday, its overdraft protection. it also covers things like time off work due to accident/sickness. i asked if that would cover if accident occurred during motorsports (i race motorbikes) and they couldnt answer so it seems pointless having it, as i have separate insurances that pay out for bonebreaks etc.

to cancel the o/d protection, i have to put it in writing.

i also tried to close my barclays e savings accounts that dont get used (better rates elsewhere) and that was a nightmare. had to call a different number, which sounded like a call centre not in uk. 17 minute phone call that took.

as much as i like the online facilities with barclays, im just getting fedup with their approach to customer services.

think i'll start testing out FD a bit more, seeing as i've opened an account

davidcampbell

Magentasue wrote:

davidcampbell wrote:

Probably being unfair to Abbey because it's nota big problem but with FD, it asks you what type of account (bank/credit card etc) and then presents drop down menus asking if it's Visa or Mastercard and so on. It finds the bank code and sort code so you can make a payment even if you don't know the payee's details. Just easier than Abbey where you have to input the details yourself.

interesting. didnt know that. may forward the idea to our i.t. guys and see if its something we can incorporate. thanks sue

DC

CLIVELESTER

FD gets my vote,user friendly system. Contact via phone efficient & helpful, Had previously been with A & L for more years than care to remember,lots of problems with them. :cool: :cool:

smythe_2

I think barclays online banking is good, fantastic with their e-savings rates too which offers a decent rate and really convenient as they transfer your money straight away so you don't lose interest while your moving cash to other banks. Seem to be able to do everything I need to especially handy for paying bills saves having to go through some awful call centre!

skeggysteve

I like the Halifax online system, very easy to use and very secure. It is the only https site I have used that my Linux box won't store the details for.

Whilst there are many things I'm not happy about, the Halifax do have one nice feature - they will call you back, just click around on the contact page.

No more calling 0870!

The call centre seems to be in Ireland, nice friendly and helpful people.

Just off to find myself a 0870 number and get the Halifax to call me back!

inkie

First direct wins for us - very clear and easy to follow even for Mr Inkie.

Milarky

Nationwide are also good at responding to questions made online.

Can't agree with that - they are the least good at customer service IMO. You ask them a simple question and they cut and paste long replies that answer something else. They take more than a day to respond - often two or more days. In contrast, Nationwide's online banking is always improving and is now rates as 'very good'.

Best online bank: was Zurichbank - which sadly no longer exists, but sets the standard for others

First Direct: Has excellent online bankng and linked telephone customer serivce [boy, you really notice that when you've had to deal with Nationwide!] Special features: Comprehensive database for creating one-off payments. All functions immediately actioned. Drawback: Low interest rate and no linked accounts paying 5%+ [their E savings account does not count as withdrawals result in nil interest for an entire month!]

Nationwide: Now better than ever but still underperforms against FD on features [for instance, you can now set up and make payments instantly rather than having to wait a day for new payment details to confirm, but their set-up function looks clunky and is clunky by comparison..]Special features: A linked geniunely instant access 'e Savings' that pays a true 5% interest. Respectable 3% interest on bank balance provided £1000 is credited each month. Would like to see: Future-dated transfers between accounts as available over at FD. They are promising: An automated telephone option for limited account servicing - 'coming soon'. Interest is paid annually rather than monthly [a pain!]. Payments generally take a day longer than other banks' payments to arrive [three days rather than two] although some exceptions have been found.

Alliance & Leceister: Their site's options and features closely resemble FD's. Special online feature: Account activity is logged for every session - so you do not lose this information each time you sign off. There is a linked online savings account with a cracking rate. Two drawbacks worth noting: whilst payments can be set up immediately, they cannot be sent until the following day [although you can request this at the time and don't have to log back in a second day]. Payments of less than £1 [for no apparent reason] cannot be made.

Also worth mentioning: Egg Savings. Although not a bank account, it has the unsual feature of instantly crediting funds via debit card. This means that payments from a 'slow' bank account - eg Nationwide /A&L /Lloyds /Cahoot - that take longer than 2 days to set up and complete normally - can be 'bounced' on to and straight off of Egg. So payments from any of these banks need take no longer than 2 days. [As a plus, some accounts will even continue to pay interest until the debit card transaction goes through - one or two days after] Egg savings has a 'address book' feature and only lacks one thing IMO - the ability to set up future dated payments which ave to be made manually 'on the day', therefore

Hope that helps

kevster_2

I was thinking of swapping my current account to the A&L for the great rate and free cash. But after reading many bad points on A&L im not so sure. I want to change also because my online baking from natwest i dont think is as good as the others you can get (ive got a online saver wit A&L)
Anyone use a good online one? I want to be able to do everything. ideally edit diredt debits and edit/change standing orders
Also i would be nice if i do have to ring them that they are in england and speak proper english (i keep away from norwich union etc fo anything)


thanks Kev.