Ulster Bank

GlynD

warmhands.coldheart wrote: »

Why why why do people stay with them????????

The only thing I can think of is people's natural tendency to stay with the devil they know. Moving banks is quite a formidable challenge to a lot of people. They don't know how easy it has become.

From my perspective I tried to return to Ulster Bank because when I was last with them they were excellent and gave a service I couldn't attain with other banks. I'd tried Bank of Ireland and the Northern when I left the army and neither suited my needs at that time. I loved the very personal way the Ulster did business. Unfortunately they, like all other banks, changed the way they do business with their clients and now I don't think they're any better or worse than the other choices out there, except Santander which seems so impersonal - although that may suit some.

In our case now we have the choice of using a number of branches in large towns within the area we reside in. We usually use a particular branch because of the personal service we get there and that's what we're looking for. Ultimately though we're not linked to RBS in any way so we've been spared all the electronic shenanigans which have been going on and I'm thankful now I didn't change.

saverbuyer

They have been the biggest mortgage provider in N.I for many years. We have a culture of keeping the current account with your mortgage bank.

Our local "big" four banks are pretty awful IMO. They certainly aren't competitive for current accounts and saving.

Cotta

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this, however as far as current accounts available to people in NI go I think Halifax is the best. £100 switchover reward and a £5 payment per month if over £800 is paid into the account each month and at least two DD come out of it.

GlynD

Cotta wrote: »

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this, however as far as current accounts available to people in NI go I think Halifax is the best. £100 switchover reward and a £5 payment per month if over £800 is paid into the account each month and at least two DD come out of it.

I am with Bank of Scotland so it's Halifax I use. BOS don't have any branches in towns here.

saverbuyer

Cotta wrote: »

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this, however as far as current accounts available to people in NI go I think Halifax is the best. £100 switchover reward and a £5 payment per month if over £800 is paid into the account each month and at least two DD come out of it.

Santander is better if you are using it for a saving/current account. Halifax is good if you just want the "free" fiver.

Cotta

saverbuyer wrote: »

Santander is better if you are using it for a saving/current account. Halifax is good if you just want the "free" fiver.

What does Santander offer?

mezza101

saverbuyer wrote: »

Santander is better if you are using it for a saving/current account. Halifax is good if you just want the "free" fiver.

use both banks and get all thats going :money:

Cotta

mezza101 wrote: »

use both banks and get all thats going :money:

That's not a bad idea, for some reason Santander's site has been blocked on my company PC so I'll need to check what they offer at a later date.

damianmcr

I stay as I have an overdraft which I cant just pay off so I cant move.

gawa75

How long will it take before folk in Northern Ireland switch banks? Just because your Mum opened a Henry Hippo account when you were 3 in the 70s doesn't mean you need to stay with them forever! This isn't the 70s. Or 80s. Or even 90s for goodness sake. Switch now. It's so easy. You do nothing. Your new bank will do EVERYTHING you need in 7 days. I went to First Direct, best move I ever made. The Ulster bank is laughing at you!

There's a whole list of the top performing banks on Martin's main banking page.