Changing bank accounts

phynbarr

Got a FD current account and am a bit miffed with their assumption that in order to access my money online I need a smartphone and an app. Anyway, my circumstances are changing soon as I'm taking early retirement and going back to being a student so I thought this would be a good moment to review banking arrangements.

've looked at the various best buys but tbh I don't fancy Santander, I've read so many bad things about their customer service that unless it has improved a lot recently . . . . .

I'd like to tie a savings a/c with a current a/c and eke out the lump sum I'll be getting shortly but reading the various articles it's all sounding complicated. Anyone got any decent experiences that might inform my decision?

TIA

dr_adidas01

phynbarr wrote: »

Got a FD current account and am a bit miffed with their assumption that in order to access my money online I need a smartphone and an app. Anyway, my circumstances are changing soon as I'm taking early retirement and going back to being a student so I thought this would be a good moment to review banking arrangements.

've looked at the various best buys but tbh I don't fancy Santander, I've read so many bad things about their customer service that unless it has improved a lot recently . . . . .

I'd like to tie a savings a/c with a current a/c and eke out the lump sum I'll be getting shortly but reading the various articles it's all sounding complicated. Anyone got any decent experiences that might inform my decision?

TIA

Where is the assumption that FD expect you to use a smart phone and an app to do online banking? I simply log on using my mac and do all that I need to via that, don't use the Mobile version or any app!! So I don't see where there is any assumption by first direct you need a mobile to access your money online at all!!

dingdong3000

^ what he/she said!

badger09

For FD, you'll either need their mobile app Secure Key or a physical plastic Secure Key (or have some restrictions on what you can do through internet banking).

Many banks have these additional security features and at least FD give you some options. I'm new to FD so have no axe to grind

As far as Santander goes, their customer service has definitely improved in recent years and there are many regular posters on MSE who are very happy with their 123 accounts - including me :T

colsten

Agree with the responses posted so far.

phynbarr wrote: »

I'd like to tie a savings a/c with a current a/c and eke out the lump sum I'll be getting shortly but reading the various articles it's all sounding complicated.

On this one: a lot depends on the size of your lump sum as well as your plans for the money. So if you can provide a bit more information, people might be able to post meaningful responses on that matter. Though generally speaking, savings accounts are probably the worst place to keep any money in these days.