Banks - Any offer UK and good Customer service?

stoofa

stoofa

stoofa

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So, after some recent hassle with my current bank (NatWest) I'm looking to move my fortunes (LOL) to somewhere else.
I don't demand much from a bank - online banking a must. If I have the need to call I like UK call centers and I like good opening hours for the phone lines.
I don't need a physical branch. Occasionally need to pay cheques in.
Will be paying more than £1k/month in which I know is a requirement for some accounts and negates charges on others.
Not particularly looking for accounts with a monthly cost - the freebies you get aren't always of use to me. For example I have a medical condition which makes any included travel insurance useless. The "basic" breakdown cover isn't enough for me, etc.

Any recommendations?

Cheers.
 
I'm with Natwest. Never had a problem.

They offer free online banking, a great android app.
The have UK call centres.

What hassle had you had with Natwest?
 
First Direct are renown for their customer service, but I've never used them so cannot comment.

I'm with Nationwide at the moment and they seem pretty good and their rates/banking seems good - and my very brief interaction at a branch was pleasant.
 
Freefaller said:
First Direct are renown for their customer service, but I've never used them so cannot comment.

I'm with Nationwide at the moment and they seem pretty good and their rates/banking seems good - and my very brief interaction at a branch was pleasant.
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My mortage is with Nationwide - I have been considering switching my current account over to them from Natwest, but the work to switch everything will be a pain I think... I know direct debits can be automated, but its the other stuff like details for my company to pay me. :)

Also I have all of my payee's setup too. Setting them up fresh maybe a pain.
 
I'm with Nationwide, Natwest and Santander. All 3 have been fine.

Nationwide were a bit of a pain with my mortgage application due to a member of staffs incompetence, but the issue was resolved pretty quickly.

The only bank I've found are pretty useless are Yorkshire Bank, nothing to do with their call centers, it was the opening hours. 9:30 - 4 and closed at the weekend. If you're the average person who works 9-5 you've got no chance!
 
I used to work for Yorkshire Bank - the branch in Lichfield.

This was 10-12 years ago, the systems they operated on was years old back then, they were terrible and very complex. I wonder if they have improved since I quit?
 
Are Nationwide actually a bank or still a building society? I have had no problems with them over many years.
I also have accounts with Lloyds and RBS (an old OneAccount) both are OK.
The only problem with any bank as with most things is when it goes wrong and sadly you can never really tell when that might happen.
Andi.
 
Ace Modder said:
My mortage is with Nationwide - I have been considering switching my current account over to them from Natwest, but the work to switch everything will be a pain I think... I know direct debits can be automated, but its the other stuff like details for my company to pay me. :)

Also I have all of my payee's setup too. Setting them up fresh maybe a pain.
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Last time I switched my new bank sent a letter to my company giving them the new details.

I can not remember but I am sure my payees also went across but don't quote me on that one haha!
 
First Direct have always been excellent for me. They're internet and phone only, though HSBC ATMs can be used for some stuff. When you phone there is no recorded message, no spiel and they have always picked up the phone within 15 seconds for me.
 
FortuitousFluke said:
First Direct have always been excellent for me. They're internet and phone only, though HSBC ATMs can be used for some stuff. When you phone there is no recorded message, no spiel and they have always picked up the phone within 15 seconds for me.
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This - been with them 2 years now - no need for a branch, everything is deal with via phone/internet - super smooth and efficient call centre.
 
andicole0 said:
Are Nationwide actually a bank or still a building society? I have had no problems with them over many years.
I also have accounts with Lloyds and RBS (an old OneAccount) both are OK.
The only problem with any bank as with most things is when it goes wrong and sadly you can never really tell when that might happen.
Andi.
Click to expand...

It's a building society.
 
Another Barclays customer here. Been with them since i left school. Tbh, in a world of global corporate banking, they're are all the same.. and we're all going to have good and bad experiences.

Freefaller said:
It's a building society.
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Correct although it means nothing as all banks offer a wide range of products, including mortgages.

When I first got a mortgage, I had to go the BS on the first Saturday of the month.. Queue, pay by cheque and get my book stamped.. How times have changed.
 
I'd recommend First Direct for their customer service, but its worth looking at the Santander 123 and see if its benefits work out for you.
 
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