Handelsbanken: worth a try?

SammenForLivet2

scgf wrote: »

And their current account uses an HSBC sort code so in my mind it is as if you're getting in effect an HSBC account with an added layer of bureaucracy, nosiness and 'if the face fits' decision making.

Not really, they use a HSBC sort code, but there systems are not actually (on the whole) from HSBC or provided from it.

Some people prefer having a personal contact, with the personal service and offerings, and are prepared to pay for it (in fees on most of their current accounts [unless you can provide a big contract to them - e.g: Free Personal Banking - if your business banks with them]

In terms of banking in 1980's - that might be right, the philosophy may be the same, although, it most be worth something, since there actually expanding in the UK.

This said, I too prefer being at Arms length from a manager that looks into all my financial affairs and knows me personally.

JuicyJesus

scgf wrote: »

And their current account uses an HSBC sort code so in my mind it is as if you're getting in effect an HSBC account with an added layer of bureaucracy, nosiness and 'if the face fits' decision making.

Erm... No.

Handelsbanken use an HSBC sort code range in their capacity as an agency bank. They use HSBC to clear their cheques for them but don't actually have any interaction with HSBC otherwise. Most of the big clearing banks provide similar services (with the exception of Lloyds, who abruptly pulled out of doing so.)

JerryW

slass78 wrote: »

Hi, a vote here for them!
I am a very satisfied Handelsbanken customer...

Can you tell me what interest rates they give you on your savings? Your borrowing experience is obviously good but I don't need to borrow.

When I phoned them (Maidstone Branch) they were positively evasive, I am reluctant to write them off completely but they really did not seem all that welcoming or polite.

innovate

They have never figured in any of the top interest paying lists as long as I can remember. Even if they did, they'd never see even one penny of my money as they are not covered by FSCS. I have lived through the [STRIKE]Icebank[/STRIKE] Icesave debacle, and will never ever again touch a passport scheme.

http://www.handelsbanken.co.uk/shb/inet/icentrb.nsf/vlookuppics/1_news_fsa_deposit_protection/$file/fsa_leaflet.pdf

It's not like swedish banks are immune to failure: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_banking_rescue

SammenForLivet2

They won't publish their interest rates on-line, because they are decided by the branch (e.g: 2 branches may have different rates) - although they do have 'regional' guide-rates.

I doub't that unless you want to move both your personal and business banking relationship (or are very wealthy), they will be particularly competitive.

mgdavid

JerryW wrote: »

Can you tell me what interest rates they give you on your savings? Your borrowing experience is obviously good but I don't need to borrow.
....

see post #16...

giblet10

Blimey, I didn't realise they were so difficult to get an account with. We have a branch locally in my village and was going to give them a go - but with my lowly £45k a year and sub-£10k savings it looks like I'll be laughed out the door...!