Anyone help with this basket of priorities?

Alan_Cross

Hi guys. I'm hoping to find a like-for-like replacement for my current 'provider' (Co-op) which I suspect may be slowly skidding downhill.

I'm looking for:

1. Good phone access/management... i.e. no long waits, no long menus and the ability to perform/authorise all standard banking transactions.

2. Paper statements.

3. 'Free' banking (although £2k+ will arrive each month in any case) .

Notes:

I require no internet access whatsoever.

Branch availability would be a welcome but non-essential bonus.

If it can come with any inducements/perks, then great but not at the expense of 1, 2 or 3.

Can anyone help cut through the welter of detail for me and point to any likely 'candidate'? Martin does his best with his guide but it is surprising to me how difficult it is to identify something which fits my requirements.

agrinnall

For phone banking First Direct are the obvious candidates given that is their key selling point. Their online banking is a bit rubbish in my opinion but if you don't need it then that won't bother you. I have paper statements for my First account and there are no charges. No branches, although you may be able to use HSBC (I don't know as I never need to use a branch for FD).

Westie983

agrinnall wrote: »

For phone banking First Direct are the obvious candidates given that is their key selling point. Their online banking is a bit rubbish in my opinion but if you don't need it then that won't bother you. I have paper statements for my First account and there are no charges. No branches, although you may be able to use HSBC (I don't know as I never need to use a branch for FD).

You can use HSBC, to pay money into both First Direct and Marks and Spencer, you just tick the box on the pay in slip.

Westie983

ValiantSon

Using your criteria then First Direct would be a good option. A customer service advisor answers the phone (not an automated system), and all account actions can be managed through telephone banking. You can use HSBC branches for depositing money, and they do have a switch incentive (but it isn't as good as the old one).

As an additional perk (and quite a good one) you will get access to their regular saver, allowing you to save £300 per month at 5%.

I do think that First Direct's customer service is massively hyped and is nothing special (most banks I deal with - and that is most banks - answer calls quickly, i.e. a person speaks to you, and are perfectly competent at handling requests), other than being answered by a person, rather than an automated system.

Of course, other accounts may also suit. I have had no problems in ever getting to quickly speak to someone at Santander, for example.

hangonthebox

Hi Alan

My main current account is with Yorkshire Bank (or the Scottish version Clydesdale Bank, it's all identical bar the branding and it's the same call centres). I can recommend their 24/7 phone service. Never had a problem with them, always efficient, polite and friendly. Unfortunately the current account I have is not open to new customers, but their standard current account is excellent, albeit with no credit interest. The one I have was advertised with a headline 3% rate and I suspect it was a little too popular! You can open Yorkshire/Clydesdale accounts by phone.

There's also the B Account (seperately-branded but a Yorkshire/Clydesdale venture) which looks good, it's app-based but does also have phone banking. I think you can only open them via the website.

I also have Cash accounts with Lloyds and TSB. Never had any problems with their phone bank service but would rate Yorkshire/Clydesdale higher. Oh and paper statements/documents too.

Alan_Cross

Thanks to everyone. Just bumping to see whether there might be any further thoughts on this.

Katiehound

I've had accounts with Halifax for some years and choose not to access on internet so do it pretty much all on the phone. Yes, automated system but you can talk to a real person very easily- UK based. £3 reward per month. Yes, branches and I maybe go in once every 3 months- but sort out SOs , balnces, transfers etc over phone.

I also use telephone banking with Lloyds, TSB, Tesco, M&S (verrry slow that one) HSBC (call centres overseas) Nationwide. Paper statements with all but Tesco- but they are available.

At present £75 switch deal with Halifax

sheramber

If you want branch access what bank has branches convenient for you?

nrsql

I've tried 3 times to take products with First Direct and dropped out each time due to their customer service. Could be just my bad luck but wouldn't consider that a strong point.

I have been with NatWest since my teens but they have centralised support and cut down branch staff so you don't get to talk to anyone you know now but they do tend to answer calls in a reasonable time.
I would consider having at least 2 accounts that you can access easily in case you end up in a TSB situation. I have 4 funded for plus credit/debit cards but I mainly access things on-line.

Alan_Cross

Katiehound wrote: »

I've had accounts with Halifax for some years and choose not to access on internet so do it pretty much all on the phone. Yes, automated system but you can talk to a real person very easily- UK based. £3 reward per month. Yes, branches and I maybe go in once every 3 months- but sort out SOs , balnces, transfers etc over phone.

I also use telephone banking with Lloyds, TSB, Tesco, M&S (verrry slow that one) HSBC (call centres overseas) Nationwide. Paper statements with all but Tesco- but they are available.

At present £75 switch deal with Halifax

My highlights. Is this £75 for switching or just for opening? Ideally I'd like to retain my 'current current' in order to have flexibility, given the lesson being taught so publicly by the comedians at TSB.

agrinnall

I'm not aware of any bank that offers money just to open an account, it's nearly always a switch that is required. The way to do and retain your existing account is to open another account purely as a donor, but you need to be aware of any DD requirements to earn the switch incentive.