Best bank account for me?

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Hi!

Wondering if someone can help. . . .

Currently I have:

Natwest Accounts:

x1basic account that I’ve had for years (Was only account i could get at the time) – My income goes into this account and bills are paid out of it. Never Over drawn etc.

x1 is a “current” account – I had this because I needed a cheque book for my childcare costs – I now pay these through bank transfer so this account is sitting empty (You do get cash back on it but i never use it)

x1 Credit Card – I use this for day to day spending and it is always paid back monthly (I get Cashback on purchases so always use this card)

Halifax / TSB / Tesco

I have a Halifax & TSB current account which I bounce my savings around for maximum interest rates, Due to the Halifax terms I also have 2 direct debits set up to go to a Tesco savings account. This is my “savings” (for now)

My issue is with the Natwest accounts...

The Basic is a bit drab now, it’s not working for me – I’m not gaining anything from it. The Current account is doing nothing too... seems silly to have it. The credit card is fine.

When I last asked Natwest to move everything from my basic to the current, then shut the basic down, they screwed up. Took months to sort out, none of my direct debits got paid and in the end Natwest had to get marks removed from my credit file (I was compensated) and I’ve never had an issue since

I don’t really want the same thing to happen! I’m wondering whether there is a “better” account for me. I never go over drawn, have no debts (Except CC which again, is always paid in full) and i budget well (Excel sheet) so I know exactly where my bank stands.

Is there an account that would “suit” me better and make my accounts “work” for me?

Thanks!
Mi

grumbler

It really is absolutely unclear what you want from your account.
Mistakes happen in all banks if this is the only reason why you want to change it.

Can the MSE article help you to make your mind?

• Best Bank Accounts

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

grumbler wrote: »

It really is absolutely unclear what you want from your account.
Mistakes happen in all bank if this is the only reason why you want to change it.

Can the MSE article help you to make your mind?

• Best Bank Accounts

Yes I realise mistakes do happen - I just don't want the aggro of it again if Natwest mess up again.



I'm just reading that article - but still unsure which will "work" better - I'll come back when i've finished reading

moneysavinggirl40

have you consider tesco banking? its easy to set up online banking, and 3% or so interest or COOP for £100 incentive. Need £800 to go in. Theres also First Direct (online banking) £125 for switching through money supermarket. Need £1000 to go in. No interest in current account but regular saver offers 6%. so u can set up standing orders £25 each month up to £300, and if don't use the max £300 in a particular month u can contribute to it on the following. Always read T&C b4 making decisions. Hope i've helped.

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel

Hi!


Thanks for the replies.


I think for now I'm going to open another Halifax Reward Account (£100 incentive and £5 a month)


Thanks again
Mi

moneysavinggirl40

when was your first halifax reward opened? was it b4 jan 2012 or after? if it was after you won't get the £100 incentive for switching.

YorkshireBoy

moneysavinggirl40 wrote: »

when was your first halifax reward opened? was it b4 jan 2012 or after? if it was after you won't get the £100 incentive for switching.

It doesn't matter when it was opened. What matters is if the OP has received an incentive since January 2012. If they haven't, then the £100 is still available.


However, if they already have a sole Reward account they won't get another sole Reward account anyway (according to the T&Cs).

colsten

moneysavinggirl40 wrote: »

Theres also First Direct (online banking) £125 for switching through money supermarket.

Been cut to £100 a fortnight ago. But will probably be £125 again at some stage - they have been yo-yoing between £100 and £125 for ages.

System

I think Halifax only allow was one single and one joint reward.
Is your existing Reward joint or solo?

Mimi_Arc_en_ciel wrote: »

Hi!
Thanks for the replies.

I think for now I'm going to open another Halifax Reward Account (£100 incentive and £5 a month)

Thanks again
Mi

moneysavinggirl40

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

It doesn't matter when it was opened. What matters is if the OP has received an incentive since January 2012. If they haven't, then the £100 is still available.

I thought the incentive was linked with switching and so opening an account to get the £100... is it not the same when i say when was it opened? what other scenario/reason would there have been when one would have received an incentive?

Archi_Bald

moneysavinggirl40 wrote: »

I thought the incentive was linked with switching and so opening an account to get the £100... is it not the same when i say when was it opened? what other scenario/reason would there have been when one would have received an incentive?

The incentive is linked to the T&Cs for the incentive. Nothing in there about account opening dates.
http://www.halifax.co.uk/bankaccounts/