Moving Banks

[Drew Carey]

To back up what lily has said, I have actually been a Nationwide customer for approx 12 or so years. I can honestly say that their customer service has always been brilliant.

Even to the extent a number of years ago, that when I ran into difficulties they fully supported me in advising what options I could do and helping me to sort things out.

The online account is also very good too. With a decent savings account automatically available to all customers at request where you can transfer in and out of it anytime you wish.

HSBC have given me a lot of crap over the years (not to mention cancelling the missus' credit card on the first day of our vacation in Zakynthos and then NOT TRYING TO CONTACT HER) but lately they've been okay.

Certainly better than my experience with RBS, back in 2004. In spite of all the money I had with HSBC, they would only give me a cash card (only works in ATMs) until they saw proof of my earnings coming into the account for six weeks.

Six weeks later I went back and asked for a Switch card now as I've jumped through your very inconvenient hoop, they declined so I closed the account then and there, took it all in cash back down the street to the HSBC branch and deposited it back into my still open HSBC accounts. F*** them, basically.

[tigersaw]

After being with HSBC (Midland as it was) for 30+ years, and probably running a million through the account in total, they still treat me as a lowlife. I recently openened an account with Barclays to change over to, but they seem to have fecked that up at the first hurdle by way of not listening to what I wanted, so I'm also all ears for reccomendations.

[Viney]

Im with Nationwide. Remember, its not a bank, but the UK's largest building society. Therfore run slightly different to a bank, and i think better for it.

I was with Abbey for over 20 years. Thier service just got worse over time. I got out 4 years ago, so didnt go throught he Santandar stuff.

I like Nationwide. I dont have much to do with them Money is paid in, i take it out. Dont have credit cards, not overdrafts/loans, so nice and simple. The last time i went into a branch was over a year ago, and that was to use the cash machine inside! They do have some benifits. When using your card abroad its free to do that, however, Visa now charge 1% of the transaction fee, something that Nationwide fought tooth and nail, but sadly lost. It was going to be 3% but they kept it at 1%.

You also get to vote on the board of directors which is fun

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Drew Carey

To back up what lily has said, I have actually been a Nationwide customer for approx 12 or so years. I can honestly say that their customer service has always been brilliant.

Even to the extent a number of years ago, that when I ran into difficulties they fully supported me in advising what options I could do and helping me to sort things out.

The online account is also very good too. With a decent savings account automatically available to all customers at request where you can transfer in and out of it anytime you wish.

Another vote for Nationwide from me

Lloyds had the best offer when they were doing student accounts and if my experience with them is anything to go by for all the banks I'll stick to what I've known for probably 15yrs or so now!!!

Current account pays meagre interest but their eSavings is usually good if usually not the best around. Credit card services are good as well, problems handled quickly and very rarely left in a telephone queue

Until they ROYALLY **** something up I'll be staying with them

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

Another vote for Nationwide from me

Lloyds had the best offer when they were doing student accounts and if my experience with them is anything to go by for all the banks I'll stick to what I've known for probably 15yrs or so now!!!

Current account pays meagre interest but their eSavings is usually good if usually not the best around. Credit card services are good as well, problems handled quickly and very rarely left in a telephone queue

Until they ROYALLY **** something up I'll be staying with them

who lloyds or nationwide?

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by 454697819

who lloyds or nationwide?

Staying with Nationwide, had accounts with them since "I was a lad"

They didn't do a student account so I opened one with Lloyds - who were OK, but just little things that made life difficult...

[Dave20046]

Originally Posted by speedplay

First direct Asked me to provide more account stability.
When I asked what the problem was, they said they didnt like the fact that different amounts were going in each week.
They asked for a minimum of 1000 a month going in which I was doing in a week, then they said it would be better if I made one payment in a lump rather than in bits.
I explained that I was self employed and was getting invoices paid at all different times and didnt really want to wait till the end of the month to pay cheques etc into the account.

Their customer services are shocking.

HSBC though, so says it all.

I was with HSBC for about 10 years, they were utter ****s but I was just lazy. Forever cocking up cards etc (that said I did kick off and got some money in compensation), general ****tishness. First direct are managed slighty differently and have 24/7 uk call centres who have been good thus far. Text alerts are useful and the staff have been flexible and helped me out a few times. Not had a major misfortune with them yet but will see how it goes.

[keith_d]

I've been with Natwest since I was a student and the only problem I've had was transferring my overdrawn student account to my local branch. I'm a pretty basic customer so there's not too much for them to screw up. Pay goes in, bills go out and I manage to stay in the black until the next payday.

Unless they do something stupid like charging a monthly fee I'll probably keep my account with them because it meets my needs.

[anna]

I can honestly say that up until 2 years ago I had no real problems with Barclays but honestly it has all gone down hill.

They have cancelled my entire account twice now for no good reasons causing me mahossive fines with my direct debts.

Bad customer service, I have complaints with them and they come back to you within 14 days only to tell you they still havent fixed the problem.