Is there any real alternative..

Stress_Head_6

... to the big greedy banks? Any independant banks that haven't got the facilities to throw money at you (ie. overdrefts etc) but are decent and straight forward?

I want to change my bank account from the money-hungry and rip off big banks to a smaller and more personal/less rip-off bank. The girobank used to be good like this - but they got taken over by the A & L mob.

Anyone know of any alternatives to bank with?

xx

Mark7799

Why the 'big, greedy banks'? The alternative is to learn to say no - no one is forcing you to take out credit/loans/cards etc.

You can try using one of the smaller building societies but may find that the facilities they offer would be very limited compared with what the mainstream banks offer (range of accounts/branch network/access to cash etc).

Stress_Head_6

Well, personally I would rather deal with people rather than red-tape. I would like to support a smaller establishment (of which I think one should emerge) with better morals and who are more personal.

I would just now like a simple account with a debit card which only lets me spend money I have. I dont want any other rings and bells and I would prefer to have a bank that would just let me spend money I have got and not allow me to go overdrawn and then charge me for the privilege

Basically I would just like to deal with fair people and have a simple account.

xx

BlondBoy

Early doors yet, unless you're in one of the trial areas, but worth keeping an eye on this I reckon.

http://www.cooperatives-uk.coop/live/cme1431.htm

Stress_Head_6

Thank you BlondBoy - That looks like exactly what I would like

xx

regularsaver1

So you need a basic bank account then

newfoundglory

http://www.npbs.co.uk/banking/

Always get top service from here! No need to live near branch - can use excellent internet banking service and over the phone in person.

Stress_Head_6

Yes I just need a basic bank account, but would rather bank with a smaller, more personable organisation than one of the bigger banks.

Newfoundglory - I actually mentioned Norwich and Peterborough this morning to my partner as we have one in town! I will take a look at their accounts!

xx

Biggles

Building societies are one option open to you but the problem you'll come across using smaller organisations (I gave up the Co-op Bank years ago in frustration) is the fact that they may not have access to (and their staff knowledge of!) the full range of banking facilities, things like BACS, DDs, cheque clearance in less than a week etc etc.

This is especially the case if you want to use one of their smaller branches rather than a main office.

My approach is to use one of the main banks for things I need them for (and pay them as little as possible) and to go elsewhere for services that are provided better (or at better value).

Banker54

Stress_Head wrote: »

I would prefer to have a bank that would just let me spend money I have got and not allow me to go overdrawn

I dont mean to have a go here and i know im going off topic but isnt it your responsibility to know how much money you have and not spend more than that?? Why do people allways blame banks for letting you go overdrawn, its up to you to know how much money you have and not spend more than that simple as. Anyone agree or am i way off here?

kasper

originaly posted by Banker54
I dont mean to have a go here and i know im going off topic but isnt it your responsibility to know how much money you have and not spend more than that?? Why do people allways blame banks for letting you go overdrawn, its up to you to know how much money you have and not spend more than that simple as. Anyone agree or am i way off here?

I think both the individual and the bank have a responsibility. I think knowing that you are not good with money and asking not to be given credit is actually a way of being responsible, and I don't think it should be an unreasonable request to banks to ask them not to give you money that you don't have. However, the fact is that banks do not make any money off people who have more than £0 in their accounts.

And these days most people have several Direct Debits going out every month, so it can be pretty tricky to keep track of everything. Personally, I'd rather my bank refused a DD rather than let me go in the red, because they'll charge me for going in the red whereas most companies will let a bill go unpaid for quite a while before charging extra.