How do you make your banking choice?

[willhub]

I'm just wondering, how do you make your decision on who you want to bank with? Is it based on customer service quality, lending rates, saving rates, service level?

Some banks have a reputation for terrible customer service, some good, some banks are trying to obsess about the customer in terms of service and interest in the customer, but at the same time have terrible interest rates on savings and are average in the lending department.

And I do wonder, does a bank really need to obsess about their customer to keep attracting customers?, or if they decided to simply be more competitive in their rates would that alone be ok?

Personally in my oppinion, I've never had any messups with banks, everything seems to go smoothly, I read terms carefully and ensure I complete forms correctly. So I tend to look for the best interest rates and where I can get the most out of my money.

What about everyone else?

 

[TommyV]

They have a branch next door to where I used to have a Saturday job (Barclays).

Based solely on that, been with them almost 14 years now

 

[arknor]

let me know when you find out...

currently with LLOYLDSTSB but the split...

went to my usual branch just after Christmas to deposit like £800 oh we are not lloylds TSB anymore, didn't even know where the nearest branch was and told me somewhere miles away...

thankfully someone in the queue informed me there was a proper TSB literally around the corner less than a minute away...

halifax are even worse in my experience

 

[ndaar]

I was with midland (hsbc) for a long time as that was the bank account my parents set up. I was then with NatWest as had business accounts as well as personal accounts with them. When they refused a request I took all my accounts to Halifax who provided everything I wanted.

TBH I think there all as bad as each other and don't feel I owe loyalty to any of them as they don't reward loyalty to them.

 

[Jono8]

I am with Santander because their 123 account is awesome. Never had an issue with them either and they are always very helpful. Taking out a mortgage with them as well at the moment.

 

[kaiowas]

When I was very young my Grandad set up a Barclays account for me. They've never done anything to particularly **** me off so I've not bothered moving.

 

[nick.lidgett]

The nearest bank from my house was RBS. I opened an account with them and stayed ever since.

 

[platypus]

Up until now, it's been whichever bank has the best special offer on at present.

Given the experience we've had with First Direct though, it's going to take something special for me to move.

 

[BunnyKillBot]

I go by the ethical guidelines. Ironic Barclays is mentioned in the second post, as they consistently score one of the worst for unethical practices.

see: http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/buyersguides/money/bankingcurrentaccounts.aspx

 

[arc@css]

Recommendation.

 

[Freefaller]

I have a few different accounts, they're all much of a muchness to me.

 

[rossk26]

Whichever banks offers the best products.

Halifax for there £10 a month reward scheme (bank account + Credit card).
First Direct for there 6% savings account

Will be moving to Santander 123 account next month for there 3% interest and other add ons too.

 

[anything I don't mind]

I find there is no difference between the banks, they all have no interest on savings and the same interest on credit cards and loans. The main difference between the banks is the logo and that is it.

 

[Skidder]

Spite.

 

[Glaucus]

Decide what features you want/need then compare them. I'm or to battered about CS.
More interested in mobile apps, cost if card use abroad, international bank transfers, those sort of things.

 

[Jono8]

people always slate Santander, but I've never found them to be any better or worse than another other bank. They're all fairly poor/there tend to be waits if you have to go in branch, but then 99.9% of the time I never have any issues which require me to talk to them.

I find Santander brilliant. Great current accounts, very helpful in branch.

We had a chat with a mortgage adviser from Santander one week and the next week we had one with Barclays. Santander bloke was very helpful, knowledgeable and polite. Barclays bloke turned up late, didn't seem like he wanted to help, didn't seem like he knew much about their own products and was a patronising ****.

Also, my gf banks with Barclays and Nationwide and everytime she goes in there to get something done like bank statements printed out or ID to be signed/certified they make a big fuss and everything seems too much trouble.

Whenever I ask Santander to do something they just do it, quickly and efficiently.

 

[CosmicClown]

I use a shoe box under my bed.

 

[redeye_uk]

First Direct for there 6% savings account

Impressive rate. Shame its capped at £3600pa

 

[DanTheMan]

I got a job with RBS at 16, needed a bank account with a bank within their group so I could get paid, opened at NatWest account. Had that account ever since.

 

[BennyC]

Been with Nationwide my entire life, very very rarely have any problems. usually recommend them when I can.

Had to talk some sense in to them over some additional borrowing recently though