Considering moving from Barclays to Starling for current account

TimeLord1

Shakin_Steve said:

CrickJon said:

I’m happy to move to online. I can’t remember the last time I went into a branch of Barclays. I just think the app for Starling has a lot more to offer than Barclays. Maybe it’s time I ditched them for a more modern bank.

If you only have the one bank account, you should heed the advice above from @surreysaver

Yes good point to open new ones and leave existing accounts until you're comfortable using tnew accounts then let barclays close naturally if unused.  I ended in barclays because of the Woolwich takeover now I just have shares and an account that pays interest rest couple of times a year.
Apart from that I would never use them again. 

danny13579

I love Starling, it's the only bank I would never switch from. Their app is really nice to use, their savings spaces are really useful as is the facility to have an extra account in euro. Their exchange rate is great too with a 0.4% fee. Their interest rate of 3.25% AER seems pretty good for a current account.

JGB1955

I use Starling as my 'pocket money' account but wouldn't want to ditch Nationwide totally.  I've got no DDs or SOs with Starling, so don't know how well they work.  VERY useful for small transactions abroad.  Can you pay cheques in to Starling?  I'm happy knowing I still have a High Street Bank/Building Society on hand.

Edi81

I use starling as my bills account and whenever I travel. No complaints at all but still have another account with Lloyds. 

danco

I don't use Starling myself, but note that Which recommends it highly

GeoffTF

JGB1955 said:

Can you pay cheques in to Starling?

I believe that you can pay cheques in using the app to photograph them or at a post office.

surreysaver

CrickJon said:

Shakin_Steve said:

CrickJon said:

I’m happy to move to online. I can’t remember the last time I went into a branch of Barclays. I just think the app for Starling has a lot more to offer than Barclays. Maybe it’s time I ditched them for a more modern bank.

If you only have the one bank account, you should heed the advice above from @surreysaver

The thing is, I want to use a Switch so all direct debits etc go with it. Doesn’t that automatically mean it will close it?

That said, I do have other accounts with Barclays, including a Rainy Day saver which I assume they will want me to close if I’ve moved my current account away from them?

I have other accounts at Chase, NatWest, Santander, HSBC…

You don't have to close the original account if using the Switch Service, but its optional. Some switch incentives require you to close the original account, but not sure if Starling is offering an incentive?

danny13579

surreysaver said:

Some switch incentives require you to close the original account, but not sure if Starling is offering an incentive?

Starling don't do switch incentives, but if you know someone with a Starling account you can get them to send you their referral link to get a free National Trust day pass.

jbrassy

I switched one of my current accounts to the Barclays Premier account last year for their switch bonus and I think they are abysmal. The app is rubbish and customer service terrible. I switched away as soon as I could. They are probably the worst bank I have ever used.

I've also had a Starling account for several years, mainly for using abroad. In contrast to Barclays, I would recommend Starling. The app is really slick and easy to use. Nothing has ever gone wrong where I've needed to contact customer service. Starling, First Direct, and Chase are the three bank accounts I would strongly recommend to anyone.

EarthBoy

CrickJon said:

Shakin_Steve said:

CrickJon said:

I’m happy to move to online. I can’t remember the last time I went into a branch of Barclays. I just think the app for Starling has a lot more to offer than Barclays. Maybe it’s time I ditched them for a more modern bank.

If you only have the one bank account, you should heed the advice above from @surreysaver

The thing is, I want to use a Switch so all direct debits etc go with it. Doesn’t that automatically mean it will close it?

That said, I do have other accounts with Barclays, including a Rainy Day saver which I assume they will want me to close if I’ve moved my current account away from them?

You need Blue Rewards to have the Rainy Day Saver, so you'd need to keep a current account and pay at least £800 into it each month. You'd also need two direct debits to pay out each month or the fee wouldn't be waived.