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

RaisedbyWolves79

Anthorn wrote: »

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.

I haven't even realised it had the Sentinel Gold cover as an account benefit - sounds very worthwhile especially as I'm travelling - thanks for the heads-up!!

slorimer

Hi

Did it become easier to transfer money in? I stopped using N&P because I couldn't pay money in outside of business hours (meaning that faster payments didn't work...) Very frustrating and didn't help when on weekends away.

Heng_Leng wrote: »

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.

System

AFAIK They non-banking hours FP credits since they swtiched to their new sort code (40-65-00) late last year

slorimer wrote: »

Hi
Did it become easier to transfer money in? I stopped using N&P because I couldn't pay money in outside of business hours (meaning that faster payments didn't work...) Very frustrating and didn't help when on weekends away.

macalloa

RaisedbyWolves79 wrote: »

I haven't even realised it had the Sentinel Gold cover as an account benefit - sounds very worthwhile especially as I'm travelling - thanks for the heads-up!!

I have held an N&P Gold Classic account for a few years now and have had no bad experiences.

When abroad I almost always only use for cash withdrawals at an ATM, not swiped for goods and services - Halifax Clarity for that.

I have presented it on a British cruise line to settle my onboard bill - but as the transaction was in Sterling the lack of it being declined was to be expected.

They have introduced a Travel Plans type message facility so you can give a heads up of dates and places you'll be when the card might be in action, and they want your mobile number in case of difficulties.

The SENTINEL cover is a real winner and surprisingly it is not mentioned too often in this type of thread.

I strongly recommend reading the terms etc., some great features, especially the emergency "get out of jail" cover loan to provide hotel accommodation and flight(s) home if stranded overseas up to £3,000 (if memory serves) - and you don't have to square up until safely back in the UK.

N&P have improved their act recently so that faster payments go into your account without the delays experienced previously - mind they are still essentially a small(er) Monday to Friday outfit, so best to ensure your balance is in credit by the end of the working week if you are expecting to use your card over the weekend.

Branches are all in and around their home location - but that's never been an issue, their online banking is easy to use.

One word of caution - the daily cash withdrawal limit is £250, that may be an issue for some ?

steve65e

The card has always worked fine for me in ATMs, ticket machines & shops, and given the perfect rate with no charges.

I wouldn't particuarly rate the account otherwise. Internet banking is limited and payments can take ages.

If you want to open one give them plenty of time. They aim to do it in under 30 days!

SalarySlave

I use the card abroad in Spain a lot, but I only use it to withdraw cash. I have never had any problems. In shops I always use the halifax clarity. I have had no problems with them apart from the slow payments thing

glider3560

I have this account for spending abroad only. No problems with card payments overseas.

I would not choose this as a main current account. Faster payments can only be set up before 5pm Monday - Friday. Any payment made after 5pm is sent the next working day. Payments sent in the morning sometimes don't arrive until after 5pm. The call centre doesn't open at all on Sunday.

odalay

macalloa wrote: »

The SENTINEL cover is a real winner and surprisingly it is not mentioned too often in this type of thread.

Hi there, Do you know if the Sentinel Cover applies to ALL card that one owns? So I could register for example my Halifax Clarity credit card, and whatever cards I usually carry with me, Barclays Debit card etc. Thanks!

patientperson

odalay wrote: »

Hi there, Do you know if the Sentinel Cover applies to ALL card that one owns? So I could register for example my Halifax Clarity credit card, and whatever cards I usually carry with me, Barclays Debit card etc. Thanks!

Yes it does .. all the cards I possess are recorded. The DIY online process is quite easy.

alvesricardo

Hi,
I've recently been in a trip around the world, and for that reason I've opened an account with them - Gold Classic
I've used their card in US, Australia, new zealand, Brazil,Argentina, India,Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam....

Perfect for that use! never payed anything more than I should!
Sadly lost my card in Argentina, called them and it was cancelled within minutes.

Really happy with them!