Bank's that don't charge in Belfast

AMG_3

Hi,

Could anyone point me in the direction of a bank that doesn't charge ridiculous fee's and charges. I'm with the First Trust at present (10years) and I feel that I am getting totally ripped off. I have been overdrawn the last couple of month's and they really do seem to be charging £27 for any transaction I undertake while over drawn, plus they then charge me quartly for being over drawn. Anyone know of a good alternative? :mad:

jnd

I moved from FT to the Halifax 4 years ago for the same reasons you've outlined and haven't looked back. £100 free overdraft and even if you go beyond it, you have 24 hours to bring the account back into the -£100 range without charge. Free DD and SO setup and cancellation as well.

tee_3

I moved to Alliance & Leicester several months ago and have not looked back. In summary you get a current account which pays 5% on balances up to £2500 (fixed to Sept 2006, then moves to bank of england less 1%, currently 3.5%). They also offer an INTEREST FREE overdraft for one year. All DD and SO set ups and cancellations are free. You also get free unlimited worldwide travel cover & a £25 cash bonus for signing up online. The account offers a standard cheque book and hole in the wall card which can be used for free at all the 'free' ATM machines I have experienced across NI.

The downside is that the account operates online, so you do need to have access to your PC to get statements.

Hope this helps (& no I do not work for A&L!!)

Tee

chunter

I'd recommend the Abbey National, but the general consensus is dump the First Trust, Northern, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Banks. Not good business to scam your own customers. The 'English' ex-building societies in generally make the NI big 4 look like the local dodgy money-lender..

There's another thread in the Northern Ireland thread on this.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=62175

thetope

I would also recommend nationwide....they don't pay as much interest as alliance and leicester, but their credit cards have cash back and you have no charges for using debit or credit card abroad (ie even the republic). i moved in feb and am very happy

IvanOpinion

I think I have seen just about every bank, building society and internet bank complained at somewhere on these boards. Therefore I would suggest take a Saturday morning out and call into each of the building societies and ask them for the literature on their accounts and compare them (I don't think there is that much difference). Work out what is most important to you? Once done take another couple of hours out and switch to your preferred account - it is simple.

I know that some places offer a low interest pre-approved overdraft ... just don't go over its limits. I also know that some places offer a free overdraft for a short period during the transition period (when DD's can come out at the wrong time etc.). We use the Abbey and have had no problems although I also have Nationwide account ... you just need to find the account offering exactly what you want.

ivan