Stick with Barclays or Lloyds?

lincsvape

I only want one bank account and I dont wish to open any new accounts so it's either between Barclays or Lloyds?

In people's own experiences which out of the two is best to go with?

Lloyds Basic Account
Okay app, still not optimised for Plus Size iPhones though after all these years, good branch network but rarely use them, standard debit card.

Barclays Basic Account
Excellent app, in my opinion miles ahead of Lloyds app. Optimised beautifully for the iPhone. Smaller branch network but doesn't really bother me. CONTACTLESS Debit Card, unlike Lloyds - who still don't know how to make an online contactless card for Basic Account holders.

... I have a basic account as my credit score is poor but sufficient enough to get a credit card. Who do people think will give me the best credit limit - lloyds or barclaycard / Barclays?

& isn't barclaycard by far the most popular credit card in the UK?

masonic

Wow, this thread really highlights to me how different peoples priorities can be. There really isn't any point in me voting.

EachPenny

lincsvape wrote: »

& isn't barclaycard by far the most popular credit card in the UK?

Most popular doesn't always mean the best.

I think the rest of your post answers itself.

lincsvape

What would your priorities be and based on your priorities who would you choose?

masonic

lincsvape wrote: »

What would your priorities be and based on your priorities who would you choose?

My highest priority is how much money I can make from them, whether that's a high interest rate in the current account itself, or access to a linked savings account with a high rate, or a cash bonus for switching...
I realise this may not be a realistic goal for you if you have poor credit.

My second highest priority is diversification, because I don't want to be beholden to just one bank. What would I do if there were service problems, or my account was frozen for whatever reason? I hold a current account with most of the major banks.

If you don't want to open additional accounts, I would strongly suggest you keep the two you have.

Edit: And as for the credit card, why wouldn't you go for Aqua Reward? Seems well suited to your credit worthiness and pays cashback on purchases.

Biggles

Stick with them both. Hopefully sooner or later one bank will offer you a proper bank a/c instead of a 'basic' one.

And stop posting meaningless polls.

hoc

Barclays has the best tech in general not just in this comparison. Lloyds are OK on product but not very helpful/customer friendly.

Zanderman

lincsvape wrote: »

...& isn't barclaycard by far the most popular credit card in the UK?

Is it? News to me! It was one of the first (possibly the first) but that was back in the 70s - but that's its only claim to fame that I'm aware of.

Why would it be the most popular? Does it have really low interest rates? Best incentives and cashback? I think not - I've never even thought of having a Barclaycard in recent years - as other credit card deals are so much better.

But maybe there is some survey that says Barclaycard is popular? But I really can't see why that would be.

As for the question Lloyds or Barclays - have both, it's best to have at laest two bank accounts in case of problems with one.

And as for which is better, it depends on what you want to use it for. And what interest, rewards, incentives you want.

Ben8282

Strange priorities. I have no interest in apps or their optimisation for i phones.
I suggest you stay with Barclays because you like the app and it is optimised for I phones.
Also because they have contactless which is probably important to you.

Biggles

lincsvape wrote: »

& isn't barclaycard by far the most popular credit card in the UK?

Could be, depending on your definition of 'popular'. It's a bit like Greene King IPA being advertised as 'the most popular ale in the UK'. It is isn't that people like it (I hate it) but they have the most tied pubs and other outlets, and they have the biggest advertising budget.

System

I would pick Nationwide - they have a contactless card and gorgeous app - the app and myself are engaged to be married in the Spring.

If your credit is bad, I would be avoid a credit card and sell off my overpriced iPhone...