Barclays or HSBC for current account?

dezza

I assume pending card payments are reflected in the available balance though until they show up properly on the online statement though?

[Deleted User]

dezza wrote: »

Thanks for the replies - I did look at First Direct however I ideally wanted a bank with local branches as I do pay in cheques every so often.

I used to be a Barclays employee too a few years ago! Service was ok (personally) back then but wasn't too sure how things have changed in eight years. As long as the service is alright then I'm happy with that - already keep my savings elsewhere and not particularly interested in the premium upgrades for current accounts. I take it online banking with both are generally fine?

FD is owned by HSBC. You can use any HSBC branch if you need counter services.

innovate

Lazyloki wrote: »

FD is owned by HSBC. You can use any HSBC branch if you need counter services.

And the Post Office, for many services, within the next month, too.

Lith

HSBC hands down... the only bank that's helped me

Loans
Credit Card
Over Drafts

all on day one when i applied lol

Barclays? pfft they gave me a cash card not a full current account

(which i thought it was) till i found out later i was !!!!ed.....


RBS are good tho but if you want the best of the best

'First direct'

dezza

I tried applying for a Barclays account online at the weekend but it said I'd have to open it at a local branch as I had a student account there a while ago - not sure how that affects the ability to apply for a standard account online?
Anyway, called their phone number, they gave the number for two local branches and after trying several times, no answer at either.

To be honest I've looked around most of the bank branches round here and the queue at Barclays is always much longer than other banks - not sure if there's a reason why they're so much busier but seems a bit offputting.

Anyway, bottom line - applied for a First Direct account, got accepted and it's already all set up online within a matter of hours - seems much better than the procedure at Barclays.

KxMx

dezza wrote: »

I assume pending card payments are reflected in the available balance though until they show up properly on the online statement though?

Yes, this is correct