Changing between Barclays and Lloyds current accounts, what is your experience?

wasty

I bank with Barclays and their Bank branches are 10 miles away, and not simple journeys, one is in an area that I never visit and the other area I rarely visit, whereas Lloyds is a 10 min walk away and a mile by car.  I have thought about moving house, and there, both of the Banks branches are about 10 miles away, but  Lloyds is  much more convenient as it is near Sainsbury’s, and a Lloyds Van used to visit every week, for a few hours, a Tesco that is 2 miles away  Other than that, I am quite happy with Barclays.

Consequently, of those people that have used both banks, I wondered what is you opinion of their current accounts?

funkycredit

I have both, as both are entirely different and offer entirely different features and benefits. 

No harm in holding several bank accounts. I've over 20 - certainly at least one account with almost all the uk banks! 

Personally I prefer Santander & Nationwide (my primary banks) but appreciate you didn't ask that  

Sandtree

You will be thankful of having the branch near by as whilst with Barclays there isnt a thing that I cannot do either over the phone or on the internet with Lloyds I am forever told I have to go in branch or send in things by post to do basic things like a change of address.

Cannot remember the last time I needed to go into branch other than at Lloyds because of their ancient processes.

Katiehound

I have accounts at both- neither is my 'main' account. I don't know when I last went into any bank! I did receive a couple of cheques during lockdown and the only a/c that had a paying in slip was at Lloyds. So I paid them in by sending them the paperwork thro their letter box and cheques were presented that day. For cash I use any (free) machine.

Personally I would have both, then you always have a back up.

Be aware that the mobile bank is possibly, not going to continue. I say that because one used to visit a town where a friend lives ...... but it was axed.

quirkydeptless

Sandtree said:

You will be thankful of having the branch near by as whilst with Barclays there isnt a thing that I cannot do either over the phone or on the internet with Lloyds I am forever told I have to go in branch or send in things by post to do basic things like a change of address.

Cannot remember the last time I needed to go into branch other than at Lloyds because of their ancient processes.

Lloyds has been my main bank for decades and I not experienced any over-requirement to go into a branch not even for change of address, I did it online. The interest on the current account and two Regular Savers was nice whilst it lasted. Plus you get some more rewards with the Lloyds club account

I have Barclays for the rewards, currently still in my Switch Offer so a nice £10 a month.

You might as well have both accounts.

noitsnotme

Katiehound said:

I have accounts at both- neither is my 'main' account. I don't know when I last went into any bank! I did receive a couple of cheques during lockdown and the only a/c that had a paying in slip was at Lloyds. So I paid them in by sending them the paperwork thro their letter box and cheques were presented that day. 

@Katiehound - you can pay cheques in through the Barclays mobile app.  You take a photo of the front and back of the cheque via the app, enter a few details and hey presto, all paid in.  No need for paying slips or visiting any branches.

London7766551

I have held accounts at both banks in the past, generally the accounts did what it said "on the tin". Wages paid in, I buy things, bills come out. I found Barclays staff were more respectful when visiting a branch. But that was a few years ago, I don't know what it is like now as all the branches have been gutted and made into these modern layouts. Barclays always seem to be quick with new tech. Lloyds I did like as a bank, expect one time I did call the bank regarding a transfer of some £10,000 and the person on the phone made some snide comment how I looked after my money and I certainly had money. After that I went off them. 

Neil49

noitsnotme said:

Katiehound said:

I have accounts at both- neither is my 'main' account. I don't know when I last went into any bank! I did receive a couple of cheques during lockdown and the only a/c that had a paying in slip was at Lloyds. So I paid them in by sending them the paperwork thro their letter box and cheques were presented that day. 

@Katiehound - you can pay cheques in through the Barclays mobile app.  You take a photo of the front and back of the cheque via the app, enter a few details and hey presto, all paid in.  No need for paying slips or visiting any branches.

Same applies to Lloyds. I regularly pay in cheques via my mobile phone and have done so for a long time. 

In response to the OP, I would simply open an account with Lloyds while still retaining the account with Barclays. If broadband connectivity is an issue (ashhinted in an earlier post) then most situations are covered by the mobile apps of both banks (assuming you can get a signal!) 

funkycredit

And then you see the ridiculous cheque deposit limit. Pointless exercise if I've ever seen one. Never in my life sent or received a cheque within the limits! 

I post mine to Santander and they're received and cleared within a few days. Brilliant service. 

NedS

I've been with Barclays for over 30 years and always been happy. Recently opened a Lloyds account too, partly for the switching bonus, partly because of local branch closures. Customer service in Lloyds has been good. Whereas Barclays were always excellent for customer service in branch, our local Barclays have not been interested during lockdown (doors closed, didn't want to admit customers), Lloyds have remained open and welcoming.

As others have said, I would keep an account at both. Both are miles better than HSBC who have been consistently shocking in my experience. Just my opinion - your opinion / experience may be different

colsten

OP, depending on why you need a bank Branch, you might be able to do it all at a Post Office https://www.postoffice.co.uk/everydaybanking