Changing bank account

Skippy13

I recently moved from Nationwide to First Direct and I wish I hadn't! I don't like the internet banking, faster payments are a joke and they can't seem to send me a paying in book!

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing again and I've narrowed my choice down to 3 and was wondering what people thought - Co-operative Bank, Metrobank or back to Nationwide?

Co-operative - the thing putting me off here is that when I was with them years ago the online banking didn't update in real time. Do you know if this has changed? I like the idea that I can pay in at the Post Office
Metrobank - brilliant opening hours but for some reason it just doesn't feel like a bank!
Nationwide - I was really happy with them apart from the stupid opening hours of my local branch. I can't get there in the week and they only open until 12.30 on a Saturday and there's always queues stretching back to the door. Even so, part of me still thinks better the devil you know!

Thanks in advance for any replies and apologies if this is in the wrong place but I don't come on here very often and wasn't sure where to post!

Dobbibill

Is there any reason you have limited it to the 3 accounts listed as there are many other banks/accounts that pay interest on balances or cashback rewards monthly for paying DD's from them?

Skippy13

They were the 3 banks that I'd manage to narrow it down to. The others I've considered are:

Halifax - I've been with them previously and had poor customer service.
NatWest - Won't have me as I've been bankrupt in the past (please don't judge) and they obviously don't believe in second chances
Barclays - I just don't like them
Lloyds - They seem to charge £6 a month if you use an arranged overdraft
Santander - various issues with them

I think that's all!

scott_lithgows

Skippy13 wrote: »

I recently moved from Nationwide to First Direct and I wish I hadn't! I don't like the internet banking, faster payments are a joke and they can't seem to send me a paying in book!




Nationwide - I was really happy with them apart from the stupid opening hours of my local branch. I can't get there in the week and they only open until 12.30 on a Saturday and there's always queues stretching back to the door. Even so, part of me still thinks better the devil you know!

!

Mind that the staff deserve a weekend as well

Skippy13

I'm not expecting the staff to work all day every day just wondering why Nationwide can't open until 2pm like other banks.

Archi_Bald

What do you need branches for?

CKhalvashi

Santander have recently improved significantly, to the extent we actually trust them with some of our savings.

Also, with many banks, you can use the post office to pay cheques/cash in, and withdraw cash. It means I can get things done on my way home, rather than having to go out of my way to do banking.

Just thought it may help you to know this.

eskbanker

Skippy13 wrote: »

I recently moved from Nationwide to First Direct and I wish I hadn't! I don't like the internet banking, faster payments are a joke and they can't seem to send me a paying in book!

Anyway, I'm thinking of changing again

If you leave FD within 6-12 months you can claim their £100 service guarantee payment if you're not happy and can provide some sort of evidence as to why this is (sounds like your second and third points ought to count).

SnowTiger

Skippy13 wrote: »

I recently moved from Nationwide to First Direct and I wish I hadn't! I don't like the internet banking, faster payments are a joke and they can't seem to send me a paying in book!

[..]

Nationwide - I was really happy with them apart from the stupid opening hours of my local branch. I can't get there in the week and they only open until 12.30 on a Saturday and there's always queues stretching back to the door. Even so, part of me still thinks better the devil you know!

It surprises me that some people still make so much use of branches. For some people it seems to be a social thing. I have a friend who visits their bank every Tuesday to check their balance. I've seen others do it, too. :rotfl:

You don't have to use the same 'bank' for EVERYTHING.

Why not continue using First Direct because they (presumably HSBC) offer better opening hours, and Nationwide for its Internet service?

Skippy13

Thanks all. That's interesting about Santander, it could be one to consider.

To answer the poster who asked me why I need a branch, I get quite a few cheques from my mother as I have to do some of her shopping. I need to be able to either pay them into a branch, the Post Office or post them. Unfortunately you can't use the PO with Nationwide otherwise it would tick all the boxes.

System

Nationwide generally let you deposit cheques at branch based ATMs.

They won't begin clearing until Monday anyway, if deposited over a weekend.

Skippy13 wrote: »

Thanks all. That's interesting about Santander, it could be one to consider.

To answer the poster who asked me why I need a branch, I get quite a few cheques from my mother as I have to do some of her shopping. I need to be able to either pay them into a branch, the Post Office or post them. Unfortunately you can't use the PO with Nationwide otherwise it would tick all the boxes.