Packaged / Debit Card Advice

thesuperhobbit

Long time lurker! Finally decided to make an account and ask, rather than simply looking around.

I'm after a new bank account. Although it may seem shallow, I'm attracted to cards that look nice. Black cards are preferred. The white HSBC card with the world map looks nice too, but I'm not sure how nice it is. I've only ever banked with NatWest. So, the looks of the debit card to an extent may play a part in this! Haha! Of course, if anyone knows what the recent ones look like, that would be even better.

I'm a self employed web developer so in terms of income, it's hard to state an exact amount for eligibility criteria. Some years I've made three times what I have in others. So, it's also easier if this can be avoided.

Ideally, I'd like to pay around £10-£12 a month and if possible, have mobile phone insurance included.

The N&P card seems nice, but there are no benefits whatsoever to paying a monthly fee.

Any help would be appreciated.

- I've never liked Halifax and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because they appear to try too hard to attract customers and that puts me off but if anyone can prove otherwise, I'm willing to consider it as well as any recommendations!

Thank you in advance.

dalesrider

Why do you want to pay for a packaged bank account.
If mobile phone ins is all you are interested in?

This can be had cheaper elsewhere.

I would say. Stop being so vain over a piece of plastic. How often does anyone see it.....

kloana

This is free: http://www.barclays.co.uk/Currentaccounts/BarclaysPersonalisedCard/P1242601041899

That, plus a 'tech pack' (including mobile phone insurance) would only cost £7.50 per month. I wouldn't personally go for it, but you seem to know what you want

thesuperhobbit

I have OCD. I get very annoyed if something looks out of place or just doesn't look 'right' to me. I don't care too much about other people seeing it, it's just how I see it.

I've had a look at phone insurance elsewhere and have had it from several companies before. The only company who ever paid out fairly cost me £16 a month.

Most friends I know take theirs out with their bank account and haven't had any problems getting their handsets replaced.

Further to this, most bank accounts seem to offer more than just insurance for the monthly fee. Seems logical to me to pay for the phone insurance that way and have the option of using other benefits if I ever need them rather than giving the money to a company who will send me a cheque for 50% of the handset cost.

thesuperhobbit

'Kloana', will have a look at that now. Thank you!

The_pc_tech

From a service point of view First Direct are quite good (I moved to them from the coop)

Their First Directory package which includes mobile phone insurance is 12.50 a month but you do have to deposit 1000 a month but this can be got around by opening an e saver account and sticking a pound in.

If you really want to know the front of the card is black with first direct and the number in silver and the back is white.

Have you checked whether your home insurance could cover your mobile as it might save you some cash?

Wouldn't an interest paying account be better for you?

meer53

thesuperhobbit wrote: »

Long time lurker! Finally decided to make an account and ask, rather than simply looking around.

I'm after a new bank account. Although it may seem shallow, I'm attracted to cards that look nice. Black cards are preferred. The white HSBC card with the world map looks nice too, but I'm not sure how nice it is. I've only ever banked with NatWest. So, the looks of the debit card to an extent may play a part in this! Haha! Of course, if anyone knows what the recent ones look like, that would be even better.

I'm a self employed web developer so in terms of income, it's hard to state an exact amount for eligibility criteria. Some years I've made three times what I have in others. So, it's also easier if this can be avoided.

Ideally, I'd like to pay around £10-£12 a month and if possible, have mobile phone insurance included.

The N&P card seems nice, but there are no benefits whatsoever to paying a monthly fee.

Any help would be appreciated.

- I've never liked Halifax and I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because they appear to try too hard to attract customers and that puts me off but if anyone can prove otherwise, I'm willing to consider it as well as any recommendations!

Thank you in advance.

What ??

Am i the only person who has never lost or damaged a mobile phone ? I've had a mobile for over 20 years. I've still got a Motorola Brick phone, in it's original box !

thesuperhobbit

Will also look into FirstDirect.

'The pc tech' - I keep all my savings with a private bank. For the most part, I only keep what I need to in my main accounts. Bills, spending money and 'Oh sh**' cash. As and when I need it, I initiate a transfer from my savings into a current account.

From what I know, my home insurance doesn't. It doesn't even cover my mountain bike unless it's at home and locked up either in the garage or back garden.

The_pc_tech

I guess if you can't put it down for 30 seconds it increases the possibility you'll leave it on a train, in the back of a cab or somewhere else but yes I have to agree I've had mobiles for nearly 15 years and the nearest thing to loss was when I left it on my desk at work after replying to a text as it had been a long and tiring day.

thesuperhobbit

'meer53' - as in, what they look like in person rather than on a screen.

I'm usually careful with my phones. I rarely scratch them or anything similar. However, I seem to be quite unlikely when I've had a few drinks, :P.

My iPhone 4S dropped down a drain recently when someone pushed past me near a bus stop! Wasn't much I could do really.

thesuperhobbit

Due to the sort of work I do, I do spend a lot of time on the phone or checking e-mails so I guess that doesn't help.

When I have had a phone completely damaged beyond repair, it genuinely hasn't been my fault. That being said, at the end of the day it's me who loses out not who's to blame.