Switching from Lloyds Graduate Current Account

canardo

Hi

I currently have a LloydsTSB Graduate account which had a 1k interest free overdraft so I kept the account open and have utilized the overdraft to complement my savings, As the graduate account is coming to an end in January they are going to transfer me to their classic plus account.

Whilst I haven't got a particular problem with Lloyds I dont think the above account is very competitive compared to Abbey and the Coventry, I also objected to having to call foreign call centres, especially due to working with foreign companies and seing how they handle personal data for non UK companies. (I know Lloyds have since shut these but the wound is still there!!)

My requirements would be the following

Online banking (this is a must)
Preferably a branch in Daventry (this excludes Abbey, however most other banks are catered for)
Preferably a cheque book
Direct debits / standing orders
NOT worried about an overdraft facility

I have around £3000 to put in the account and pay in around £1800 each month

Abbey is where our mortgage comes from, though the fix expires in Sept so this might not be the case after this date (114k between combined earnings of ~ 65k)

To me the Coventry account looks very appealing as it meets all of my requirements and there is a local branch that my mother has dealt with without problems for many years

Is there anything better than the Coventry I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance for any advice

jonesMUFCforever

Ltsb no longer have a call centre in India.
Only 'back office' work is done there now.

I think your present bank gives you everything you need without switching.
The classic plus will give you 4.25% gross on first £2.5k of balance.
If you have surplus funds consider opening the Monthly saver with a guaranteed rate of 8% gross fixed for 1 year (£250 pm max + lump sum of £500 in first month)