M&S Internet Banking Woes

mizfiesta

I switched banks recently (from Clydesdale Bank) to a M&S Current Account. The official 'live' date was today.

I have never switched bank accounts before and have been with the Clydesdale for over 30 years so I was a bit apprehensive, however the switch itself went well.

What I am really unhappy about is the website for internet banking, and the need to use their 'pass'. Coupled with the fact that there isn't an Android app (though apparently one is in the pipeline). I very often transfer money through to my Daughter's account and the Clydesdale Bank App is soo user friendly and it literally takes seconds. I can use the app and do it when I'm away from home and it's easy.
Today I was out and about and I needed to make a money transfer to my Daughter's account but I didn't have the 'pass' with me so had to wait until I returned home. Even then it took far longer with all the security steps needed. Total pain in the backside! I am so regretting switching if I'm honest! Anyone been in a similar position? Could I switch straight away to another bank with less archaic internet banking??

badger09

I have an account with M&S, opened for a switching bonus, but retained for access to their Monthly Saver, but I don't use it as my main account.

I agree the security widget is a PITA but hardly ever need to use it. The recently introduced IoS mobile app does all I want, though that's no use to you.

Of course you can switch away whenever you want.

mizfiesta

badger09 wrote: »

I have an account with M&S, opened for a switching bonus, but retained for access to their Monthly Saver, but I don't use it as my main account.

I agree the security widget is a PITA but hardly ever need to use it. The recently introduced IoS mobile app does all I want, though that's no use to you.

Of course you can switch away whenever you want.

Thanks Badger, really appreciate the feedback. I too opened a savings account with them - though just a regular one so I can withdraw money anytime. Still a good rate as I was getting no interest at all with my last bank savings account. So if I do switch away I'll be sure to keep the savings account also. Wouldn't have thought of that. Thank-you.

I'll need to look around to see what banks have an app that allows easy access to do transfers etc. Without carrying around what looks like a tiny calculator lol.

badger09

What is the name of the savings account you have with M&S?

I only ask because, unless it is the Monthly Saver, you will be able to do so much better elsewhere!

colsten

badger09 wrote: »

The recently introduced IoS mobile app does all I want, though that's no use to you.

Does it? Mine doesn't even have a fingerprint login, and is therefore useless to me. Also, last time I did log into the new app (in the hope there would be a setting for fingerprint log on), it still only displayed balances to me, and that was it. The only "improvement" I could see was that my Monthly Saver now shows, whilst previously it was just the Current Acct. No sign of my M&S CC, either.

The only reasons I have the M&S account is that they paid me loads to switch to them, and that they have this lovely monthly saver.

EDIT: I just double-checked that I really have the latest version of the app, and I have. It's lightyears behind any other banking app that I have come across. I have the Yorks Bank app, which is the same a Clydesbank, I believe, and the M&S app can't touch it. Why M&S don't at least have a clone of the First Direct app is beyond me.

mizfiesta

badger09 wrote: »

What is the name of the savings account you have with M&S?

I only ask because, unless it is the Monthly Saver, you will be able to do so much better elsewhere!

Hi Badger, It's called and 'Everyday Savings' account. The interest rate is 0.35% AER/Gross variable (if you have one of their current accounts - 0.10% otherwise) and has penalty free withdrawals. I couldn't be do with 'locking' it down :-(

colsten

mizfiesta wrote: »

I'll need to look around to see what banks have an app that allows easy access to do transfers etc. Without carrying around what looks like a tiny calculator lol.

Just about every UK bank, plus Nationwide Building Society, has a decent app. Except for M&S, who seem to be stuck in some sort of a timewarp.

Tesco Bank does the best instant access savings rates of the mainstream banks. Their app is very nice, they don't need a stupid calculator thingy, they even pay you interest on your current account, more than on your savings account. http://www.tescobank.com/current-accounts/fees/

mizfiesta

colsten wrote: »

Just about every UK bank, plus Nationwide Building Society, has a decent app. Except for M&S, who seem to be stuck in some sort of a timewarp.

You're right there. I'm quite surprised as they are 'overseen' (or whatever the correct word for it is!) by HSBC. I just assumed their t'internet banking would be top notch...:(

mizfiesta

I think I'm just going to stick it out with them for 12 months then switch. It's going to look bad on my credit rating if I keep switching as it requires credit checks (as far as I'm aware anyway). Also I'll be able to catch their £5 gift card top-up every month. Just waiting now for the initial £125 to be sent out yay!

badger09

colsten wrote: »

Does it? Mine doesn't even have a fingerprint login, and is therefore useless to me. Also, last time I did log into the new app (in the hope there would be a setting for fingerprint log on), it still only displayed balances to me, and that was it. The only "improvement" I could see was that my Monthly Saver now shows, whilst previously it was just the Current Acct. No sign of my M&S CC, either.

The only reasons I have the M&S account is that they paid me loads to switch to them, and that they have this lovely monthly saver.

EDIT: I just double-checked that I really have the latest version of the app, and I have. It's lightyears behind any other banking app that I have come across. I have the Yorks Bank app, which is the same a Clydesbank, I believe, and the M&S app can't touch it. Why M&S don't at least have a clone of the First Direct app is beyond me.

Its all relative colsten.

All I really want to do is check my current account balance to make sure there's enough to cover DDs and any (fairly infrequent) spending on my debit card. I couldn't even log on with the previous app. Easily pleased:o

badger09

mizfiesta wrote: »

Hi Badger, It's called and 'Everyday Savings' account. The interest rate is 0.35% AER/Gross variable (if you have one of their current accounts - 0.10% otherwise) and has penalty free withdrawals. I couldn't be do with 'locking' it down :-(

mizfiesta wrote: »

I think I'm just going to stick it out with them for 12 months then switch. It's going to look bad on my credit rating if I keep switching as it requires credit checks (as far as I'm aware anyway). Also I'll be able to catch their £5 gift card top-up every month. Just waiting now for the initial £125 to be sent out yay!

By all means stay for the gift card top up, but why settle for 0.35% when you can get 1.2% from a Tesco instant access savings account?