Co-operate Bank - alternatives, please?

phillw

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

Specifically, I do not wish to engage in internet banking which I regard as a world-wide accident waiting to happen and of this we have already seen plenty of minor precursor signs.

I was exactly the same for a long while, first with internet banking and then mobile banking apps.
Fortunately the banks have dealt with all the issues that have arisen, so you're only really inconveniencing yourself now by avoiding them.

I do still use telephone banking for some situations, but they are all just as good/bad as each other.

We are lucky to have free retail banking, I have friends all round the world and they find it strange. I'm surprised that we haven't seen a bank move phone banking to a paid tier by now.

MalMonroe

I switched from Co-op to Nationwide a few years ago. I'd had a DRO which was on my credit report for 6 years. The following year - my credit report looking healthier than it had done for years - I asked the Co-op if my current account could be upgraded from the basic one to a 'normal' one. I also asked if I could have a contactless debit card since my financial status was now good and I had always managed my account responsibly. To my amazement they refused my request, refusing to give a reason. Of course I understand that that is their right. 

I switched to Nationwide and was immediately treated like any other customer, rather than one who was still in financial difficulty. I have since downloaded their app so I can have an up-to-date and immediate check on my account and I've been really happy with Nationwide since I joined. 

This is, of course, a reflection of my own experience but I definitely recommend Nationwide as one to consider. 

RainbowsInTheSpray

MoJoeGo said:

 though is that if you were promised something 15 years ago and they delivered for at least 7-8 of those then that wasn't a bad result. In modern banking terms, 7-8 years is an eternity.

I expect light bulbs to last longer than that.

The retail banking sector in this country is an absolute joke. Why some government hasn't stepped in at some stage over the last twenty years is a mystery... or, more likely probably, the result of quiet Sunday morning golf club arm twisting at the nineteenth hole...

wmb194

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

MoJoeGo said:

 though is that if you were promised something 15 years ago and they delivered for at least 7-8 of those then that wasn't a bad result. In modern banking terms, 7-8 years is an eternity.

I expect light bulbs to last longer than that.

The retail banking sector in this country is an absolute joke. Why some government hasn't stepped in at some stage over the last twenty years is a mystery... or, more likely probably, the result of quiet Sunday morning golf club arm twisting at the nineteenth hole...

Not to mention all of the issues caused by the financial crisis, its aftermath and the last year or so, don't forget that Co-op Bank effectively went bust and was rescued by new owners in, IIRC, 2017. Any promises made in 2006 are long forgotten. Compared to many other countries Britain's banking sector is very competitive with lots of different options to choose from.

MoJoeGo

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

MoJoeGo said:

 though is that if you were promised something 15 years ago and they delivered for at least 7-8 of those then that wasn't a bad result. In modern banking terms, 7-8 years is an eternity.

I expect light bulbs to last longer than that.

The retail banking sector in this country is an absolute joke. Why some government hasn't stepped in at some stage over the last twenty years is a mystery... or, more likely probably, the result of quiet Sunday morning golf club arm twisting at the nineteenth hole...

Meh... perhaps you do. Of course that one lightbulb doesn't have to constantly change how it operates due to ever evolving regulation (and the costs that go with it), but if that simplistic analogy serves its purpose, i.e. opening the floodgates for this thread to turn into a general rant about banks, then go right ahead.

Given that much of the world doesn't really have the concept of 'free' banking, be careful when you draw up your laundry list of service requirements. Whatever the right and wrongs of the Coop specifically, you may find you have to actually pay for what you want.

Unless of course you think that the banks owe everyone a 'hair-shirt' level act of contrition. Which isn't going to happen, and no government will ever force the issue.

datlex

I have transformed my COOP account into my giving account.  It basically self manages.

RainbowsInTheSpray

MoJoeGo said:

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

MoJoeGo said:

 though is that if you were promised something 15 years ago and they delivered for at least 7-8 of those then that wasn't a bad result. In modern banking terms, 7-8 years is an eternity.

I expect light bulbs to last longer than that.

The retail banking sector in this country is an absolute joke. Why some government hasn't stepped in at some stage over the last twenty years is a mystery... or, more likely probably, the result of quiet Sunday morning golf club arm twisting at the nineteenth hole...

Meh... perhaps you do. Of course that one lightbulb doesn't have to constantly change how it operates due to ever evolving regulation (and the costs that go with it), but if that simplistic analogy serves its purpose, i.e. opening the floodgates for this thread to turn into a general rant about banks, then go right ahead.

Given that much of the world doesn't really have the concept of 'free' banking, be careful when you draw up your laundry list of service requirements. Whatever the right and wrongs of the Coop specifically, you may find you have to actually pay for what you want.

Unless of course you think that the banks owe everyone a 'hair-shirt' level act of contrition. Which isn't going to happen, and no government will ever force the issue.

MoJoeGo said:

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

MoJoeGo said:

 though is that if you were promised something 15 years ago and they delivered for at least 7-8 of those then that wasn't a bad result. In modern banking terms, 7-8 years is an eternity.

I expect light bulbs to last longer than that.

The retail banking sector in this country is an absolute joke. Why some government hasn't stepped in at some stage over the last twenty years is a mystery... or, more likely probably, the result of quiet Sunday morning golf club arm twisting at the nineteenth hole...

Meh... perhaps you do. Of course that one lightbulb doesn't have to constantly change how it operates due to ever evolving regulation (and the costs that go with it), but if that simplistic analogy serves its purpose, i.e. opening the floodgates for this thread to turn into a general rant about banks, then go right ahead.

Given that much of the world doesn't really have the concept of 'free' banking, be careful when you draw up your laundry list of service requirements. Whatever the right and wrongs of the Coop specifically, you may find you have to actually pay for what you want.

Unless of course you think that the banks owe everyone a 'hair-shirt' level act of contrition. Which isn't going to happen, and no government will ever force the issue.

But isn't it just fascinating how the simple act of asking for straightforward, honest dealing with a reasonable standard of customer service actually leads with great rapidity, in the case of British retail banks as with almost no other sector, to 'ranting'? I repeat that successive governments have let them off the hook, not held them to account and the resultant mess ensures that almost nobody is satisfied.

'Ever evolving regulation' is not the cause of the problem. Failure to invest in people and systems is. They'd rather, far rather, give money to the get-rich-quick shareholders.

I'm very, very far from being alone in my belief... I hear it shared by virtually everyone I meet, the mere mention of 'bank' being greeted by a weary roll of the eyes... 

gsmh

RainbowsInTheSpray said:

I'm very, very far from being alone in my belief... I hear it shared by virtually everyone I meet, the mere mention of 'bank' being greeted by a weary roll of the eyes... 

That really hasn't been my experience. I am a serial switcher and do not have a negative view of banks. If you behave yourself they're all OK. Each bank has its foibles which might cause you to move elsewhere, but on the whole we have a great banking service in the UK pretty much for free. I've been using current accounts for over 45 years and things have improved year on year. Those who wish to bank today like they did 30 years ago are the ones who feel disgruntled and most affected by the transition to online banking, along with those who ended up with PPI or similar then eagerly availed themselves of huge payouts for their own stupidity. Use a bank properly, keep within the rules and adapt to modern technology and you will have a great experience. Even with the likes of The Royal Bank of Scotland I can call and talk to someone within minutes - should I feel the need to use a telephone.

gt94sss2

badger09 said:

First Direct is probably still the leader as far as telephone banking is concerned, but as said above, even FD are encouraging customers to use online/app based banking where possible. However, it doesn't have any branch network of its own.

I would also recommend First Direct for the OP given their requirements.

You can also use HSBC branches and Post Offices with First Direct.

WillPS

gt94sss2 said:

badger09 said:

First Direct is probably still the leader as far as telephone banking is concerned, but as said above, even FD are encouraging customers to use online/app based banking where possible. However, it doesn't have any branch network of its own.

I would also recommend First Direct for the OP given their requirements.

You can also use HSBC branches and Post Offices with First Direct.

Only the counters at HSBC branches for the time being tho, not the paying in machines.