How easy to.. bad previous experience

wooders

Having looked at this site for the last few months or so, I'm tempted to switch my current account away from Natwest.

A few things though,

1. I would want a bank that I can go into, ruling out first direct
2. How easy is the process, I'm thinking direct debits/ebay/paypal etc etc
3. Would this effect my credit rating e.g. applying for credit cards etc
4. Which is the best bank account for me to do this

I have had previously moving from one Natwest branch to another Natwest where nearly half of my direct debits failed to switch so i'm a little apprehensive.

Current account requirements -
monthly income - c. £3500
overdraft - c.£500 (just in case, not used much)
Cashcard

Any ideas or recent experiences?
ta wooders

Scousebird_2

I'm a little confused as to why you moved from one Natwest branch to another when the sort codes don't really matter anymore as you get service anywhere but i'm sure you have reasons. Most banks do an account switching service these days who will tfr your d/d's and s/o's for you. As long as your credit file is clean and there is nothing adverse, then getting a full current account with another bank and enhanced facilities shouldn't be a problem. The credit crunch is making it harder for lenders to offer as much credit as others so be careful if you choose to move!

Why do you want to leave Natwest-out of pure interest!

YorkshireBoy

Scousebird wrote: »

Why do you want to leave Natwest-out of pure interest!

Got it in one!

wooders wrote:

2. How easy is the process, I'm thinking direct debits/ebay/paypal etc etc
3. Would this effect my credit rating e.g. applying for credit cards etc
4. Which is the best bank account for me to do this

2. Fairly straightforward, if you do your own switching. Personally, I'd NEVER allow a bank to switch DD's...maybe standing orders but definitely not DD's.

3. Probably not, all things considered. Many banks will throw a credit card into the package with no additional credit search.

4. Halifax pay 5.12% AER (on the first £2,500 and only if you pay in at least £1K per month).

wooders

hi

I switched NW to NW as I moved house, 60 miles from my old bank, and I thought it would be easier to deal direct with my local bank.

Thanks for the advice re dd, and if anyone has been reading my recent entries regarding NW and the isa saga on the savings board, then you will understand why I'm thinking of leaving lock stock.