Top Bank Accounts Discussion Area

celtic_charmer

I used to belong to the Woolwich, however when they were taken over by Barclay's as there was a Woolwich and a Barclay's in the town where I live they decided to close the Woolwich and transfer the accounts over.

The only real gripe I have about Barclay's is the piddling little amount of interest they pay on their account - it's a measily 0.1% (yes - you did read it right).

I was just about to swap my account over to Alliance and Leicester (with whom I have a business account), but having read Martin's article about banks only guarenteeing the first £34,000 (did I get that figure right) per institution I decided against it and started to look around elsewhere. I was seriously considering Abbey, though I was nervous because of their reputation for customer services. However, that's now out of the window as well due to Abbey's purchase of A&L.

I'm currently toying with Nationwide or Halifax.

Has anyone any suggestions or advise about either, or even an alternative? I'm not having much luck with financial institutions lately - my mortgage is with Northern Rock which pretty much sums up my dismal taste!

JonnyC_2

1) I hold an empty esavings account with A&L, will I need to close this before applying as a new customer to qualify for the £100 bonus?

2) If I were to constantly remain within my 0% overdraft limit for the first 12 months, transferring my incomings regularly to a top instant access savings account, what adverse effects can this bring? i.e. affect credit rating?

Thanks in advance

NikkyWikky

Hi guys,

just noticed that FirstDirect are offering £100 for signing up and then after 6 months you can move to a different account and they will offer you £100.

http://www.firstdirect.com/1st-account/overview.shtml?WT.ac=BA0309

If u like me and missed out u can get it again.

Nik

Teep_2

Although the artilce is very useful it should also inculde a comparison of banks sytems and customer service ratings. I wouldnt advise anyone to switch based on £100 cash back, 0% overdarfts etc as I did with A&L. Whilst this is a good account should you encouter a problem they have the most awful customer service and mainly just ignore you so any comparison must also consider this otherwise your 0% savings could see you actually in the red. It is also worth considering the banking system that they use as this can differ and what may have been ok in one bank can lead you to being in the red e.g. Lloyds update credits before paying out debits each day A&L dont even if internal payment. They have also very seriously breached my data protction so again a comparison of complaints agaisnt banks should also prehaps be considered as sometimes cheaper doesnt always mean quality. Back with LLoyds and very happy

Gals

Does anyone know of anywhere where I can locate a listing of the top business banks? Thank you.

Baldur

You could check out http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/business/bestbuys/default.aspx

afmfifgh

I am looking to open a Alliance and Leicester Current account but don't have any friends who bank with them so I am looking for someone to recommend me and therefore mean that both myself and whoever recommeneds me will get £25. This is my first post on the forum so I hope I have found the right thread and have not done anything agaisnt the sites rules and regs. - I assume you can send a PM if you are interested?

TIA.

LongTermLurker

afmfifgh wrote: »

I am looking to open a Alliance and Leicester Current account but don't have any friends who bank with them so I am looking for someone to recommend me and therefore mean that both myself and whoever recommeneds me will get £25. This is my first post on the forum so I hope I have found the right thread and have not done anything agaisnt the sites rules and regs. - I assume you can send a PM if you are interested?

TIA.

Take a look at the "referrers" board

billytruffin

Hello,

Please could anybody let me know if there is a bank account on the market that does not allow an overdraft. A friend of mine needs a bank account that will not allow them to go overdrawn as they have got themselves in some sticky situations before!

Thanks

Baldur

billytruffin wrote: »

Please could anybody let me know if there is a bank account on the market that does not allow an overdraft.

HSBC's Basic Bank Account should fit the bill - no cheque book, overdraft or other credit facilities.