Best alternative to Metro Bank?

veinarde22

I've recently opened a Metro Bank account and I love it. The online and mobile banking are hassle free (I only need my phone - I don't need a standard card reader or worse, a bank specific piece of kit) and I was given a debit card on the spot.

I am looking for another account elsewhere (as a spare - I'm sticking with Metro Bank!) and I'm looking for suggestions.

Easy online/mobile banking is a must, as is ease of opening an account. I have photo ID, I have an excellent credit rating, I'm on the electoral roll - there shouldn't be a need to faff around with going into a branch if I don't want to.

I feel I've been spoilt by the whole Metro Bank experience, but if anyone has any recommendations for what comes second (even if it's not a close second), I would be grateful. :beer:

(I'm less interested in rates and more in a banking experience that doesn't make me pull my hair out. I've had a few bad experiences with the like of Lloyds and HSBC.)

unkle

Not sure why you'd want another one, but First Direct come out very well in surveys for customer service.

eskbanker

unkle wrote: »

Not sure why you'd want another one, but First Direct come out very well in surveys for customer service.

Having multiple current accounts is a typical and sensible recommendation on here, as it offers some protection against technical problems with bank networks, cards being lost, accounts being frozen, etc.

However, First Direct, despite their customer service reputation (unwarranted in my opinion) are widely derided on here for their rudimentary online facilities, although this is all completely subjective so difficult to know what would work for OP!

YorkshireBoy

veinarde22 wrote: »

(I only need my phone - I don't need a standard card reader or worse, a bank specific piece of kit)

I think you'll need to list your must have's and must not have's, rather than a wooly "I don't need", to get the best responses.

For example:

Must not have a security token (that would exclude HSBC, FD, M&S, and YB/CB. Any more?).

Must not have a card reader (that would exclude Nationwide, Co-op, NatWest, and RBS. Any more?)

That leaves Lloyds (whom you don't want), and not much else really! Halifax?...BoS?...both of which use Lloyds systems. Maybe TSB?

d123

What about Starling? Easy online application and all controlled via app as well.

veinarde22

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

I think you'll need to list your must have's and must not have's, rather than a wooly "I don't need", to get the best responses.

For example:

Must not have a security token (that would exclude HSBC, FD, M&S, and YB/CB. Any more?).

Must not have a card reader (that would exclude Nationwide, Co-op, NatWest, and RBS. Any more?)

That leaves Lloyds (whom you don't want), and not much else really! Halifax?...BoS?...both of which use Lloyds systems. Maybe TSB?

I really really don't want a security token. I didn't realise that ruled out FD, so many thanks for that heads up.

I have no experience of Co-op, Natwest and RBS - interested to hear more. The Natwest website suggests most people can sign up online and that they have a reasonable looking app - that's really all I'm after. Simplicity.

I haven't tried TSB either - no idea what they're like.

veinarde22

d123 wrote: »

What about Starling? Easy online application and all controlled via app as well.

Thanks, am having a read of this thread now: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5649551

Edi81

A vote for starling here!
I love their notifications - when abroad drawing out cash they come through before the cash comes out the machine!

veinarde22

Starling seems to be mobile only, rather than mobile and desktop internet banking - but I can't see any disadvantages to that. It's a new bank, but it has the standard FSCS £85k protection.

Hmm. Looks like a good option!

eDicky

veinarde22 wrote: »

Starling seems to be mobile only, rather than mobile and desktop internet banking - but I can't see any disadvantages to that. It's a new bank, but it has the standard FSCS £85k protection.

Hmm. Looks like a good option!

Go for it, is what you're looking for. Opening the app and logging in is immediate even on a slow connection, unlike other bank apps (the ones I used anyway). Sign up, verify and have your account in minutes, your card a day or two later, you'll never have to enter a branch because there aren't any. Instant transaction notifications with a map of the outlet location anywhere globally. In-app selectable security features for the card that make it virtually fraud proof. Etc...

ValiantSon

If you do decide to open an account with Starling then be aware that depositing cash and cheques may cause you some difficulties. If you want to make a cash deposit then you'll need to phone customer services and discuss arrangements. If you want to deposit a cheque then you'll need to send it to them through the post. Neither of these are exactly convenient, and the cheque system is open to the vagaries of Royal Mail's service.

https://www.starlingbank.com/faq/

I know that some people think app only banking is the best thing since sliced bread, but I am not one of those.

Oh, and sliced bread wasn't such a great development either. Mass produced sliced bread is nutritionally deficient and prone to causing digestive problems. I'll leave the comparison hanging.