Good customer service / internet banking recommendations

theyellowlizard

Hiya,

I've been with Barclay's for a decade and have finally got sick of them being generally unhelpful - not helped by their introduction of a card-reader thing for their internet banking (see discussion thread elsewhere about NatWest doing the same), which strikes me as a sure-fire way to change internet banking from being easy and convenient to being a hassle (because you can only do it when you've got the reader rather than doing it on any computer in the world).

Anyway, I'm looking to switch banks.

I currently have a student account and £1500 of overdraft (which I'm due to pay off within the next 6 months, all being well). My priority, however, isn't
good interest rates or anything like that - I just want somewhere that has extremely good customer service and which won't force me to change my banking habits against my will (like Barclay's have done with the card-reader thingumybob).

Any thoughts/suggestions/recommendations welcome - the floor is yours!

gt94sss2

All the main banks (RBS, Barclays, Lloyds, Halifax, Nationwide, A&L etc) in the UK have stated they will be introducing card-readers with the exception of HSBC and Abbey.

It seems Abbey haven't made up their mind yet but HSBC have stated that they believe the system is insecure and they believe customers dont want to carry such things - so are looking at other ways of increasing security instead.

As such, if you want to avoid these card readers, I would probably opt for First Direct for a new account - they are owned by HSBC and you can use their branches to pay in/take out money - otherwise they are open 24/7 (by telephone/internet) - and have a very good reputation for customer service.

Regards
Sunil

theyellowlizard

Hi Sunil.

Thanks for that helpful response. I can't understand why the banks are persisting with something so thoroughly unpopular...

Anyone know whether the Co-Op bank are planning to do the same?

And does anyone else have any recommendations for banks with good customer service? I'm reluctant to go with HSBC because they seem like such a monstrous global multinational (plus the issue with charges to graduate accounts which would obviously affect me).

~daisy~_2

we have been first direct customers for around 9 years - very happy with them and great telephone ppl !!

quietheart

have always had nationwide accounts and they've been fab. would definitely recommend them.

gt94sss2

theyellowlizard wrote: »

And does anyone else have any recommendations for banks with good customer service? I'm reluctant to go with HSBC because they seem like such a monstrous global multinational (plus the issue with charges to graduate accounts which would obviously affect me).

I believe HSBC scrapped their plans for charges for graduate accounts but First Direct is a totally separate/standalone division (I think) with its own product range/charges - and the highest customer service ratings of all the banks - though one can use HSBC branches if one wants..

Otherwise Smile and the Nationwide are also worth considering as they often also get good reports.. it all depends in what exactly you are looking for in a bank.. but if its to avoid card readers the chances are these two will eventually introduce them (well Nationwide already have plans to do so) unlike HSBC/FD..

Regards
Sunil

Rafter

Just reconfirm what others have said. First Direct (HSBC), Smile (Co-op) and Nationwide are probably the top 3 for service.

All are 'grown up only' though and are unlikely to offer you a graduate interest free overdraft.

If you travel, Nationwide is top

If you are ethical, Smile is top

If you prefer black, First Direct is top!

R.