Who Do You Bank With (and why)?

Archi_Bald

wiseshark wrote: »

Nationwide...... I have read on here lots of comments about them being one of the more stringent banks when it comes to credit scoring.

I think you may be mixing them up with First Direct, which is often abbreviated to FD. Same abbreviation is also used for Nationwide's FlexDirect account.

I don't think I have seen any posts that suggest Nationwide turn many people down, whilst FD often do. The reasons aren't always clear since they may turn you down even with a perfect credit record.

rb10

Archi_Bald wrote: »

I think you may be mixing them up with First Direct, which is often abbreviated to FD. Same abbreviation is also used for Nationwide's FlexDirect account.

I don't think I have seen any posts that suggest Nationwide turn many people down, whilst FD often do. The reasons aren't always clear since they may turn you down even with a perfect credit record.

Nationwide do have a reputation for being conservative when it comes to accepting applications.

InsideInsurance

Archi_Bald wrote: »

I don't think I have seen any posts that suggest Nationwide turn many people down, whilst FD often do. The reasons aren't always clear since they may turn you down even with a perfect credit record.

They turned down all 3 of my requests for a FlexDirect account but then opened all 3 on appeal without providing any other evidence or information.

I'm suspecting they'll do the same on the 4th one too next month but unfortunately no one is ever willing to say why we play this game. With 5% interest available its just something to put up with every other month

TadleyBaggie

In 1973 I started a new job working in Slough, I didn't have a bank account so opened one with the nearest bank to work, which was Barclays. I still have the same account, never had a problem so never felt inclined to change.

black_taxi_2

Bank of Scotland(loyds banking group)

being self employed,the bank is only 8 mins walk away,as I need to put in funds weekly

pingles

* Smile. We have a joint smilemore account- provides decent travel insurance, phone insurance and breakdown cover (we bought a car at the beginning of the year so made sense to bundle everything). I've had this since I was a student (nearly 15 years now).
* First Direct. Primarily for access to their Regular Saver- I'm onto my second now.
* Nationwide. FlexDirect account, Regular Saver, a few savings accounts, cash ISA and their Select credit card (when traveling).
* HSBC Premier. My main current account (mainly because I was nervous about the whole Co-op thing). I've since setup a Shares ISA that invests in a few of HSBC's tracker funds- platform is easy to use and relatively cheap at the level I'm using it at. I have another Regular Saver and my 2nd credit card (after my Amex cards) is their HSBC Premier Credit Card which gives Avios rewards (£1 = 1 avios- the best non-Amex you can get).

The_pc_tech

First Direct - decent service when required.
Nationwide - Bill account and the 5% interest.
Halifax - 2nd bill account for the free fiver.

Mr_K

HSBC - pure laziness, but I've never had any problems or incurred any charges in 25 years. There are too many pitfalls with changing accounts, particularly if you've got money coming in from several different sources in additions to DD's. Wouldn't invest or save with them though, as their products are pants.

Also have FD and Halifax Rewards accounts which I don't use for banking at all. The FD one was only to enable me to qualify for their Cash ISA, and the Halifax for the £5 a month - not sure I can be bothered with that one any longer.