Best current account website?

Martinslovechild

In a nutshell, I can't abide First Direct's online banking website. It's hardly changed since it launched, still appears in a popup window (!!!) and doesn't follow good security practice (it tells you if the login ID you've entered is valid or invalid).

I've logged my list of gripes with them countless times and they always tell me they'll log them - and then... I hear precisely nothing. Never once have they implemented a single change I've suggested (I am a web developer). My list of changes is now 8 years old.

So... it's time to jump ship. I'm really not bothered about interest rates or overdrafts etc (as its main purpose is really only as a household account), I just really primarily need a good website with good security, intuitive options, good uptime (which probably rules out RBS/NatWest), sensibly laid-out options, faster payments and reasonable customer service (so probably not Santander).

I'm not particularly bothered about mobile/tablet apps etc, as I don't tend to use these.

Any ideas? Which online banking websites are you happy with?

ValiantSon

Martinslovechild wrote: »

In a nutshell, I can't abide First Direct's online banking website. It's hardly changed since it launched, still appears in a popup window (!!!) and doesn't follow good security practice (it tells you if the login ID you've entered is valid or invalid).

I've logged my list of gripes with them countless times and they always tell me they'll log them - and then... I hear precisely nothing. Never once have they implemented a single change I've suggested (I am a web developer). My list of changes is now 8 years old.

One customer suggesting changes is not going to make a company change their website. I'm sure that they have logged your comments, but that doesn't mean that they are going to act on them, and even if they did, they wouldn't write to you to say, "Thank you ever so much for your suggestions. We are now implementing them all."

First Direct use two factor authentication. You aren't going to find anything better anywhere else.

Martinslovechild wrote: »

So... it's time to jump ship. I'm really not bothered about interest rates or overdrafts etc (as its main purpose is really only as a household account), I just really primarily need a good website with good security, intuitive options, good uptime (which probably rules out RBS/NatWest), sensibly laid-out options, faster payments and reasonable customer service (so probably not Santander).

I'm not particularly bothered about mobile/tablet apps etc, as I don't tend to use these.

Any ideas? Which online banking websites are you happy with?

You are going to get a series of subjective opinions. Some people will like Bank X, some will like Bank Y and others will like Bank Z (not to mention the people who think all web-based banking is, "sooo last century" and will harp on about app based banks like Starling). Nobody, however, will be able to tell you what you will like.

What exactly is it that you want? All online banking platforms will do the things you want (including First Direct). Pick one and try it.

Why don't you think Santander customer service will be any good? Do you have first hand experience? They are actually fairly well regarded, and my own personal experience is positive.

cadon

Strictly, it's not a bank, but I really like Nationwide's internet banking. You only need to faff round with a card reader the first time you send money to a new payee, and it's a standard card reader, so you can borrow one quite easily if you need to.

Haven't used FD, but I used to get the rage with HSBC, so I suspect you might also get on with Nationwide. It's just so simple to use.

Their social media team are also very good at sorting out problems with your account.

Lith

FD Website is nasty....
HSBC is pretty good imo
METRO BANK have come along way since launch as they're site is pretty friendly.

tempus_fugit

I've always liked the Halifax/Lloyds systems since they updated them a couple of years ago. Santander's isn't too bad, the Clydesdale's is not great (it uses a pop-up window as well) and NatWest's is simply awful. But, as stated above, these are my, subjective views; your mileage may vary.

MarkFromCornwall

Martinslovechild wrote: »

faster payments and reasonable customer service (so probably not Santander).

I've used a dozen or so current account websites. I wouldn't like to use a card reader on my main account so that rules out several. I personally don't like the YB/Clydesdale user interface, nor HSBC. Lloyds/Halifax/Bank of Scotland work well although they have too many adverts and nag me to read my statement. Santander is one of the best in my opinion. It's rarely down. They are hot on security - I've had more calls from them to check transactions than from all the other banks together. Also, their FP limit is higher than most. I find their customer service is good now.

Mark

veryintrigued

Be interested to see the response on this.

Suspect most MSErs will be more interested in the two factors you've discounted (interest and overdrafts) and forgoing a pretty website for a clunky one.

stehouk

I like santander because its in red.........i like red
Halifax is funky but blue.........not keen on blue
Nat west is purple or is it plum......not that pleasing on the eye
I dislike any apps that i need to use a card reader.

Tom99

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I have Halifax and NatWest. I prefer Halifax, they don't use a card reader but ring your phone when setting up a new payee.[/FONT]

ValiantSon

Tom99 wrote: »

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I have Halifax and NatWest. I prefer Halifax, they don't use a card reader but ring your phone when setting up a new payee.[/FONT]

Like I said, this is all going to come down to, I like this but she likes that.

The OP isn't happy with the security on First Direct online banking (even though they use two factor authentication) because the log in opens in a second window. This could be considered poor security because it replicates the behaviour of browsers in scam pop ups. However, the two factor authentication negates that problem as no scammer will have the physical security token. Conversely, someone could access your account more easily on Halifax, if they got hold of your mobile phone. As long as they had the other log in details then an automated phone call is no barrier at all. In reality, therefore, First Direct is actually more secure than Halifax, although neither have poor security.

18cc

one thing you might consider is how long you will continue to use their website anyway - these days i do 90% of my banking using the bank's app so to me the app rating is of more interest than the website rating.