I want to switch away from my current bank (Barclays) for my current account because of a bunch of reasons. I’ve not been able to switch before now due to stupid immigration stuff like needing to be able to access 5 years of bank statements, but I’ll soon be free of that so I’m open to recommendations!
Bonus if there are no charges for overseas withdrawals as I do travel a bit.
@CatherineFlick A credit union with debit cards for everything but high(er) interest savings
@CatherineFlick I’m very happy with Monzo, with the caveat that I’ve never needed their customer support, so can’t comment on how good that is.
@CatherineFlick are you looking for:
1. Internet banking that works?
2. Staff who care about your needs?
@CatherineFlick have been a First Direct customer for many years but mostly just using Monzo now.
@CatherineFlick If I were looking for a new bank, I would probably consult https://www.moneysavingexpert.com
I would also look carefully at https://www.triodos.co.uk who are allegedly an ethical bank.
Currently I am with Natwest (have been since age 5) and Monzo. No complaints with either of those - they are banks and do banky stuff, but equally my situation isn't complex.
@CatherineFlick triodos for top notch ethics (no fossil fuels, no arms, no tobacco etc. Barclays are one of the worst) and quite a cool card too
Thanks everyone for your replies! I'll go and investigate them all and see what the best one for me is :D
@CatherineFlick
I have a couple of current accounts -
I'm happy with Nationwide (although their new app gets a lot of flack in some quarters) plus they have decent savings accounts if the restrictions suit you - the only issue I had was with their Travel Insurance which they cancelled after we made a claim.
First Direct 'just works'.
Chase I no longer trust since they have messed around with their cashback offer.
Revolut doesn't have a full banking licence.
Monzo (Mrs Mike uses) is OK but the app is a pain and nags you to upgrade.
@CatherineFlick we've used FirstDirect (offshoot of HSBC) for many years (over a decade) with no problems, I also still use HSBC (dating back to when I first moved to the UK - 17 years, they're very solid but old-school.)
In more recent times I've used Starling for business banking and actually it seems really sound - great app & usability. I've never had to face any real "customer service" situations with them though.
No idea about the travel bit alas!
@CatherineFlick Nationwide. I’ve been with them for twenty years; they’re not arseholes (on account of not being a bank, so they’re owned by all of us account holders). Check they have all the facilities you need, but I’ve had no complaints about their service ever.
@flangey @CatherineFlick ditto. And I used to work for First Direct.