Best bank account

MichaelAwkward said:
I'm not surprised mistakes keep happening if you're constantly requesting new limits on overdrafts and credit cards. It's a completely pointless request, and as with anything in life, the more often you do something, the chance of making a mistake increases.

As for the chip falling out, I've never had that happen with any card from any bank. Sounds like you're doing something wrong.
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its not constant nor do i have an over draft, it mainly just if somethign for work comes up and i need to cover it, it would be a lot easier if work gave me a CC but even then the limits are so crap you have to call the office to get it changed.


regardless this isnt about my credit just a good all round bank that isnt santander
 
I currently bank with Natwest, mortgage is with them too, and credit card is with sainsbury decent as well!
 
peterwalkley said:
FirstDirect. Consistently rated number 1 for customer service. Been with them nearly 20 years.
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This. I tend to switch accounts regularly to make use of sign up bonuses, First Direct unfortunately now have me hooked because the service is so good. I also have a Halifax account for the £5 monthly reward, I use it for my spending money (First Direct handles the joint bills).
 
leigh_boy said:
lets put it this way, i had a 8k limit on a card with money always going on and off for 2 years, i had to go away for work, a week before being told this i reduced the limit to 1k as i wasnt going to use it much any more.. a long story short i had to pay my way and then recover the costs, the cost of the hotel exceeded the limit i couldn't change the limit online like i had done for the last 2 years i had to call and explain then wait 48 for them to review , not easy to deal with when your in another country and having to foot a big bill you can pay.
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I can't see what the bank have done wrong?

They agreed to reduce your credit limit by 87.5% at your request and then a week later your try and up the limit. This would flag up on nearly every banks system and require a manual check especially as you were trying to do this all from another country.

As far as the bank are concerned you told them you wanted all lending to be limited to £1000, then suddenly you need it upped - they need to check why you need it upped as it might be irresponsible of them to give you an increased limit.

Most banks have rules about raising a limit when it has already been changed within the previous 6 months.

I would fully expect any bank to want to review the credit limit increase before giving it to you in that circumstance.
 
leigh_boy said:
clearly you havent followed this
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I have.

leigh_boy said:
lets put it this way, i had a 8k limit on a card with money always going on and off for 2 years, i had to go away for work, a week before being told this i reduced the limit to 1k as i wasnt going to use it much any more.. a long story short i had to pay my way and then recover the costs, the cost of the hotel exceeded the limit i couldn't change the limit online like i had done for the last 2 years i had to call and explain then wait 48 for them to review , not easy to deal with when your in another country and having to foot a big bill you can pay.
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So, you reduced the limit, went over the limit, couldn't change the limit for whatever reason (likely because they're wondering why you reduced it in the first place), and then had to pay extra.

So the solution is not to faff around changing the limit in the first place.
 
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I use barclays, primarily staying with them because of their App. I can't remember the last time I had to go into a branch, log onto the online banking site or speak to someone from the bank. The app does everything you need!
 
leigh_boy said:
i have CC for when i travel for work and then they pay it off its pain but when i was in china i couldnt get them to increase my limit with out an argument . do you mind me asking why you want to move from santander?
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No real reason I just fancy a change, want to see what offers bank have on for new customers etc
 
robfosters said:
This damages your credit rating quite badly.
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I completed 3 switches and opened 5 additional current accounts in the 12 months prior to my first ever mortgage application in 2014 and had no problems.

Since then I've completed a further 4 switches and have opened another 5 bank accounts and don't anticipate any issues with my remortgage.

I think the issue here is that the OP doesn't understand how banks operate or how their systems work which means he has been caught out. Reducing your credit limit by nearly 90% and then trying to increase it only a week later from another country is only going to set alarm bells ringing and require a manual review for any bank.
 
I've been with NatWest since I was a kid (they opened up an account for us in school).

Never once had an issue. I've had two credit cards and two loans with them in that time, too. Set up countless direct debits, bank transfers and standing orders, never a problem.

Sometimes getting through to them is a pain, but no more or less than other companies I've dealt with.
 
Natwest have been great for me, as have TSB for current accounts. I recently had some credit card fraud on my credit card and Halifax were on the ball and made sure I didnt have any issues.

I'm thinking of switching to First Direct though for the £100/£150 (cant remember which it is now) switch incentive. As others have said, the customer service consistently ranks highly in consumer polls.
 
leigh_boy said:
i think lloyds , santander , halifax are all part of the same group so want to avoid them i think so that leave barcleys,natwest and nation wide ?
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The same way that Tesco, Morrisons, Audi, and the NHS are part of the same group ;)

Bad customer service aside you need to consider the best products for you. In todays competative banking market you generally wont find one bank to fit your needs.

The Santander 123 account is the best on the market (currently) as far as benefits to you as a customer are concerned. Interest on balances and cash bank on direct debits.

Ask yourself what you want from your current account and then do some digging around on money supermarket to find the best fit.

Like others have said, dont faff about with credit limits, if you have something that meets your needs dont slash it.
 
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