Which bank to go with?

[adrums1999]

I'm thinking of opening a current account with a bank but I'm not sure which bank to go with. I'm currently with HSBC but they're treated me like sh*t

Can anyone give me advice on which bank to go with, and also tell me which bank gives the best customer service and best overdrafft fees. Cheers.

[CSG2306]

Hi,

I banked with the Bank of Scotland for 50 years until they merged with the Halifax.

I closed all accounts and now bank with Nationwide, I've been with them now for a few years and cannot complain. They have been more than helpful in more ways than one and the staff are always friendly.

Regards

[lb24]

I recommend Barclays. I've been with them for 10 years and they're fantastic.

Alliance and Leicester have the highest interest rates but i don't know anyone who's been with them.

[lb24]

(I meant highest interest rates on current accounts).

[spudqueen]

All the big clearing banks, HSBC, NatWest, Barclays and Lloyds offer the same services and are mostly alike. I would recommend banking with one of the above as as they are clearing banks any cheques you pay in to your account are cleared quicker than if you bank in a non-clearing bank. It is usually the branch (and the staff in the branch) that makes the difference. It may be worthwhile asking around friends and colleagues to see if they are happy with the service they get from their branch of their bank.

[antiguru]

It�s quite refreshing to find people with something positive to say about the big 4. Mostly people seem to agree they are abysmal these days.

I swapped from Barclays after 25 plus years to Nationwide earlier this year and have no regrets. You deal with human beings and there are no overseas call centres. Rates are fare and consistent and the range of options are not baffling.

This site will help you with rate comparisons:

http://www.moneyfacts.co.uk/

[tell-me-more]

I bank with Smile (online) and can recommend them, but I've seen this question asked several times, and Nationwide always seem to be recommended. Both Smile (as part of the Co-op Group) and Nationwide, are a bit different from the other banks because of the sorts of business they are.

Nationwide were absolutely brilliant when I went to see them for mortgage advice, but I was disappointed to speak to a strange computerised voice on the phone.

[dizydosydoll]

Hi
I bank with Halifax and have never had any problems with them.
I was wondering why CSG2306 moved banks, what is wrong with Halifax something I should know lol :-)