Handelsbanken

jonstodge

Has anyone had any recent experience with Handelsbanken?

I see from the forum there are a few reports for 2012/3 ish but no more recently.

They seem to be one of the few to want to offer me a mortgage, but want me to transfer my current account over to them at the same time. I am wondering if this is a good idea, as HSBC have been ok to me!

Any thoughts from anyone with either a current account or mortgage with them?

kidmugsy

I think (do check their website) that their depositor protection is under the Swedish scheme not the British one.

jonstodge

kidmugsy wrote: »

I think (do check their website) that their depositor protection is under the Swedish scheme not the British one.

Yup, that is correct. €100,000 covered, but nil under the UK FSCS.

This doesn't worry me too much as I will borrowing heavily, and not have that much cash at all with them.

MARTYM8`

I was surprised to see how many branches they have - from Truro to Aberdeen and Canterbury to Glasgow.

Seems a bit restrictive through to require you to move your current account to them - couldn't you just have a secondary current account with them to pay your mortgage from?

NotRichAtAll

canterbury one is a naff looking building

Paul_1977

In my experience they are a bit up themselves, but I can't speak for the actual banking service.

jinkster

Banking service very good however when I was with them probably back in 12/13 they had not internet banking app or on the go it was some ancient system that required plugging a card into a USB device that connected to your laptop so sadly they didn't work out for me. I guess all that has changed now.

Paul_1977

jinkster wrote: »

Banking service very good however when I was with them probably back in 12/13 they had not internet banking app or on the go it was some ancient system that required plugging a card into a USB device that connected to your laptop so sadly they didn't work out for me. I guess all that has changed now.

It still mentions this USB device in their user guide.

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

TartanSaver

OP - I would take whatever mortgage is the best deal I could get, regardless of the provider. If they want you to "switch" just make a donor and use that. As you say yourself, if you owe the bank a large sum of money, you don't exactly need to worry how likely it is that they go bust. I don't think I would ACTUALLY use such an obscure bank as my "main" current account though, unless there is a particularly good reason.

PeacefulWaters

jonstodge wrote: »

Yup, that is correct. €100,000 covered, but nil under the UK FSCS.

This doesn't worry me too much as I will borrowing heavily, and not have that much cash at all with them.

A relevant point for some is that this equates to less than £75,000.

planteria

i understand that service can be very good.
and yes, they certainly look for customers to move their banking to them, along with agreeing to lend. business banking often works like this with other banks, but Handelsbanken extend that to retail.

there is a logic to wanting your mortgage, or other borrowing, with a provider other than your bank, in that banks can take money directly from your account if they deem it necessary. but if the deal is right, and you have no concerns at all, then i would move if it suits you to do so...perhaps leaving your HSBC account open alongside, afterall