Bank accounts

Barclays here.

I have a card reader, but apart from setting up the account on my phone initially, and transferring money to a payee I'd never used, I've never needed it.

Plus the smartphone app can authorise some things online (that you'd normally need the card reader for). Can tie the app to up to 3 devices at a time.

Regarding security.. they once refused me access to my account because I couldn't tell them to the penny, one of my standing orders (they're all weird amounts based off bills) and it made me rage :mad:

...otherwise great.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I used to be with Barclays, and you needed the card reader. The girlfriend is still with Barclays and doesn't use a card reader. So there must be ways around that.

I'm with Halifax and First Direct now, both of which are very easy to access online, and both apps are good too. I prefer their more formal website feel to the Barclays (designed for children) look.
 
Been with Barclays for 15 years now superb app and excellent service all round couldn't think of changing.

the phone app works as a verifier too. 5 digit past code and a linked account via a cash machine.
 
I'm about to switch to first direct.
Getting into town is a hassle so it will be handy having a dedicated online only system
Also you actually do get through to someone with no button pressing of menus.


Edit ^
You say FD are about to launch card readers?
Think I may pass
 
The Santander 123 account is clearly the best current account on the market at the moment. You need one of these accounts even if you do not wish to use it as primary.

Personally i have 3 current accounts;

Santander 123 - Good online access with good (complex) interface which does everything. 3% credit interest up to £20k balance (market leader), varying cashback amounts (i tend to make around £15pcm in cashback) plus of course the interest from keeping the balance topped out which is around £50pcm. Linked to a 123 world mastercard too which has 3% fuel redemption (capped at £9pcm assuming you spend over £300pcm on fuel as i do), along with 1% supermarket redemption.

Halifax Reward Account - Online banking is OK on this, a bit basic perhaps. This is linked to Halifax clarity mastercard. £10 credit pcm for maintaining the two of them. Clarity credit 0% forex which is the main reason to have these open.

Natwest Std Current Account - for branch transactions as Halifax especially have terrible branches. This account offers reasonable online access to simply move money to and from Santander when i have used a branch.
 
Last edited:
al4x said:
If you don't keep much in it I don't think it's that good and you have a cash back cc
Click to expand...

Even if you kept about £5k sitting in it, you wouldn't make that much. It's only really useful if you have large bills every month. Don't forget about the £24 a year charge for using the account too..

Since I have zero direct debits it's not worth setting up an account up with Santander.
 
Last edited:
First direct.

Over seas, Metro Bank.

After tonnes of advice. This is how I go now. Both are brilliant. Metro Bank (if you have one in your town, there is one in Reading) can get you a card in your hand, setup and ready to work on your first visit.

Don't know why all banks don't do this. Went in, had a chat about rates, agreed it would be best, filled out some forms, checks came back ok, printed card. Done.
 
Glaucus said:
Trouble is first direct doesn't offer anything good. ok good cs but how often do you guys actually phone the bank up.
Click to expand...

What like rubbish travel insurance and limited breakdown cover?

First Direct is simple, no frills, just works, banking.

Their 20 month interest free credit card was pretty good.

Mortgage rates seems pretty decent too.
 
Been with HSBC all my life and find them to be brilliant I find their online banking page to be fantastic, it is annoying having to log on with the Secure Key but with the app on my phone I don't find that I log on to my account very often anymore anyway. Also when I have phoned them up the way they speak to you makes you feel like royalty, great service from them I've found.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom