Norwich & Peterborough Building Society....any good?

RaisedbyWolves79

Hiya folks,

I'm a fresh-out-the-box noob around here, although I've flicked through the main pages on and off over the years, but find myself in need of further info, so I hope you ladies and gents might be able to help!

I'm off travelling in September and will be gone for quite some time, and so the usual questions about sorting out my money en route have arisen. I have recently signed up for and awaiting delivery of the Halifax Clarity credit card (as recommended here), although out of personal preference I intend for this to only be used in emergencies or to show as proof of funds.

This leaves me with the issue of sorting out my bank account. I normally bank with Santander, but understand that their debit card is a bit of stinger when used abroad - hence my looking into Norwich and Peterborough Building Society's Gold Classic Account as mentioned on the moneysavingexpert main pages. I'm not worried about having to organise a standing order to keep the account suitably funded, as that seems easy enough, but I really want to know if anyone on here has actual practical experience of using N&P and also this account...? If so, if it's any good?

I've Googled reviews for it, but come back with very conflicting information - Money.co.uk gave a 4 star rating with apparently 68% satisfaction out of 38 ratings, but on reviewcentre.com virtually everybody slates it big time!!! I know some people will go on these sites just to grind their axe and "stick it to 'em" if they've had a bad experience, which can slant results, but I just wondered if anyone here can give me a bit more of a balanced opinion before I decide to take the plunge or not...?!

Many thanks in advance folks, it's much appreciated.

Regards, Mike

reclusive46

My advice would be to avoid the N&P card if your going anywhere that they still swipe cards and sign.

They block any transaction where the card is swiped if the card machine supports the chip. The problem with this is there are many card machines in places like the US, where the card machine has a chip slot buts its not turned on, so you have to swipe. This results in a declined transaction!

alanq

I am not and have never been a customer of N&P but I remember seeing mainly positive reviews in Which?. I am therefore surprised to see it sits towards the bottom of the table of best accounts
http://www.which.co.uk/money/bank-accounts/reviews-ns/bank-accounts/best-banks-for-customer-satisfaction/

Strange that the * ratings are similar to Metro Bank yet the latter has a much better %age score.

Biggles

I've used the 'Gold' account for a few years. I always fund the account with just enough for the holiday and it has never let me down. Having said that, I haven't had to swipe it anywhere, so can't comment on what reclusive46 says. Maybe ask N&P about that?

Other debit cards do add their own charges, but they're still better than most bureaux de change.

But you'll need backup anyway, best get a Halifax Clarity CC too.

patientperson

I have had the Gold current account for over 3 years. In my case the main purpose is to be able to withdraw cash from an ATM machine whilst out of the UK but of course you can also withdraw cash in the UK too. There are no charges for using the card which is why I have one. I have never had any problems and for me it works just fine. The account must be funded monthly (£500) as you already know but I tend to make a payment sometime during each month when it suits me so not funded by a STO. It is always advisable to tell N&P which countries you intend to use your card. If you are not planning to be out of the country each month then just transfer the £500 back out of your account again.

You are then eligible to open a gold saver monthly account - 4% for 1 year only.

kovacsi76

My wife got the card a couple of months ago, just before we went off to Greece to get married. We had no problem using the card in the ATMs (May-June), though the cash limit is a little bit lower (£250) that most other cards, and also not precise when dealing with currency conversions. We should have been able to withdraw €350 as the rate was above 1.40 at that point, but couldn't.

Also, be aware that it seems like you can't transfer money in/out after 5pm, so be sure to transfer the money in well ahead of when you need it.

System

They are fine if you don't expect any bells and whistles.

Their FP service has been improved recently, so you can receive credits outside banking hours; payments can still only be sent during banking hours.

They don't have an app but have a mobile optimised version of their website which works well.

I've used my card abroad and never had any major issues in the EU and North America.

Their lack of branch network or Post Office access are the only downsides that I can think of.

RaisedbyWolves79

Looks like it might be best to use it primarily for accessing cash machines, rather than payment transactions - which is a bit of nuisance, but something I can live with if necessary. Many thanks for your helpful feedback folks - if anyone else has any further info on this, or helpful travel money tips, please let me know!:T

Cheers, Mike

eDicky

I see no reason why you should not use the N&P card for payment transactions. I have never had any problems with mine, although I have never had it swiped in a terminal that has a switched off chip and pin reader. Even if the card is declined in such a circumstance it's no big deal, just use a different card or cash.

Anthorn

I have an N & P Classic Gold account and debit card which I used with great success in France and recommend N & P. Good if you want branches and live in their area but not good if you live outside their area. Since getting my French bank account I haven't used the N & P account at all so might close it to save the fiver monthly fee.


The free Sentinel Gold cover which principally protects cards but also has cover for emergency money abroad might be a worthwhile factor.

System

I've used their debit card extensively as payment and only had an issue with Boot's sister Duane Reade.

Everywhere else took it without any issue including ATMs.