Best alternative to Metro Bank?

ValiantSon

eDicky wrote: »

you'll never have to enter a branch because there aren't any.

Do you work in marketing?

There being no branches is actually a negative, because it reduces accessibility and customer choice, but you seem to believe it is a positive. Interesting.

eDicky

ValiantSon wrote: »

There being no branches is actually a negative, because it reduces accessibility and customer choice, but you seem to believe it is a positive. Interesting.

For your interest, I mentioned that because OP says he doesn't want to "faff around with going into a branch if I don't want to."

The Starling in-app chat CS is excellent.

Should I start a new career in marketing..?

veinarde22

I prefer to do all my banking electronically - I can't remember the last time I wrote or cashed a cheque. As this is not to be a main account, I do have other options anyway - Metro Bank will print me cheques on the spot if I really need one, and they're open in the evenings.

With that said, apparently it may take up to two working days to verify my Starling Bank account. Just given it a go...

Samsung_Note2

All my banking is done mobile phone and id say one of the best has been Halifax...lovely clear and well laid out app.

Cant tell you about % rates and all that as i use and spend my money...and if you want a credit card,again Halifax credit card is included in same bank account app,just swipe from one to the other...really cannot fault there phone service too.

d123

ValiantSon wrote: »

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.

Cash deposits are made at NatWest branches, so it’s a difficulty if you can’t find a NatWest branch.

Though I think I read they are looking into using the Post Office for deposits this year...

basill

veinarde22 wrote: »

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

Im happy with FD's app and rarely use the token ( also available as a phone app) FD only require use of the security token when setting up a new payee or making a payment for the first time. After you have set up all the regular destinations the token is not required.

One off and regular payments can also be setup on the phone, no token required.

B

ValiantSon

d123 wrote: »

Cash deposits are made at NatWest branches, so it’s a difficulty if you can’t find a NatWest branch.

Though I think I read they are looking into using the Post Office for deposits this year...

Thank you for clarifying. I'm not a customer so I only had their FAQs to go by. Rather strange that they don't just say, "You can pay cash in at any branch of NatWest," rather than insisting you need to phone them to discuss.

d123

ValiantSon wrote: »

Thank you for clarifying. I'm not a customer so I only had their FAQs to go by. Rather strange that they don't just say, "You can pay cash in at any branch of NatWest," rather than insisting you need to phone them to discuss.

Probably best not to make statements of fact when you’ve not used the system then .

It’s this simple:

To deposit cash:

1. Take the cash to a Natwest Branch.
2. The cash must be paid into the Starling Bank Account.
3. Starling Bank Account Number: 48588725 , Starling Bank Sort Code: 600001.
4. The reference is surname and Starling Bank 8 digit account number

d123

As I can’t edit my post anymore, I was going to add the following.

They’ve also said:

Post Office deposits will be added in early 2018.

https://community.starlingbank.com/t/cash-withdrawals-deposits-at-post-office/450/185

Kim_13

The MSE guide to the best bank accounts may be of interest: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts

My personal favourites as far as banking apps go are Nationwide and Natwest. Switching offers are currently running for both if you have an account to switch (so not the Metro one.)