Which bank for me?

Oliver99UK

So I’m trying to move away from HSBC for various reasons (the end of my interest free graduate account, and to separate what I owe with my “good” finances).

I’m a bit of a nerd so I like a good mobile/online banking experience and UK call centres is a big plus (for the rare occasion I need to call), branches I don’t really ever use, but they’re nice to be around just in case.

Apart from the mobile/online my only other big plus is no unarranged overdraft/returned payment fees. Since the whole idea is to manage money better, I don’t want an overdraft and I hate the idea of being charged for not having enough money (not that it happens often, but it’s the peace of mind).

As far as I know, only Lloyd’s group, and Monzo offer this, however I’ve also considered Barclays (best app, closest to the fintech), and Nationwide (like the ethical stance/not a bank).

Ideas/help?

Sidenote: I already have a Monzo account which I’m trying out as a spending account (like the budgeting features, instant notifications and £0 charges for returned payments)

Dobbibill

Welcome to the forum,

Have a look at this
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/compare-best-bank-accounts/

If you opt for Nationwide, head over to the referrers board as they do a refer a friend bonus for £100.

[Deleted User]

Starling?
Nationwide?

Oliver99UK

Thanks - Nationwide would be my first choice if they offered a more up to date mobile/online banking experience. They seem to have good rates on borrowing and lending (and I like the BS not bank thing)

le_loup wrote: »

As a graduate are you unable to use the internet? If you are you could try a search engine to find accounts, look up the terms and conditions and maybe reach a conclusion.
Or you could sit on your ar*e and get someone to do it for you.

Oh you sound too smart for me. Making use of your time with snide remarks is obviously far superior to asking for opinions on a related forum.

alanq

Oliver99UK wrote: »

Thanks - Nationwide would be my first choice if they offered a more up to date mobile/online banking experience.

What do you think Nationwide is missing? All I can think of is the facility to submit cheques via an app. It is very rarely that I see a cheque and with a vast branch network I have no problem making a rare visit to a branch counter / ATM.

Oliver99UK

I get a few cheques, so its helpful, but not essential.
A digital secure key?
Ability to update details in app
Ease of sending/receiving (without a card reader)
Instant notifications?
Any budgeting/spend tracking? (although I could use Yolt as a 3rd party for this)
And secure phone call (to bypass security questions) or chat system for non urgent enquires?

Just the few I can think of, but maybe I've been spoilt by using Monzo for a while. I'm a little skeptical of them (Monzo) if I ever had a problem from some reports online and they don't offer other banking facilities (and I like to keep it all in one provider where possible)

[Deleted User]

Nationwide aren’t a bank. They’re a Building Society.

Also they aren’t a new-age FinCo.

So for what you’re looking for you need to go with Monzo, Starling etc.

rainbowskies

I really love Santander’s app/online banking. Like yourself, I rarely have to go into branch or call so the app/online baking was an important feature for me. I’m really pleased with it.

I also have a Monzo account for spending abroad and their app is brilliant too!

Dobbibill

If you are a saver, Nationwide offer 5% on both the Flexdirect (1st yr on balances upto £2500 subject to criteria crediting the account) and Regular saver (£250 pcm limit) so if you are considering a compromise, I wouldn't rule them out too quickly.

rainbowskies

It won’t let me edit my above post using my phone!

I just wanted to add, aside from the main banking app, Santander also do a wallet app which shows you how much you have spent using your debit card and where. All the places you’ve shopped at are separated into catergories and it makes it easy to see where you have spent/wasted your money. I find it quite handy. The ‘food’ section of mine was a real eye opener. Need to add another to my new year’s resolutions list ...

le_loup

Oliver99UK wrote: »

Oh you sound too smart for me. Making use of your time with snide remarks is obviously far superior to asking for opinions on a related forum.

Oh! Now I'm wounded.
But at least I know how to research, So I'll probably be OK.