But their weak point historically was always a poor online / app experience. Has that changed now?
I'm relatively new online, but seems to work fine. They send you a little keycode generator. App seems straightforward as well.
The First Direct phone app has improved significantly in the last 6 months. Now auto categorises transactions, I expect there's a view somewhere that gives you a month by month breakdown.
Can also pay in cheques by taking a photo.
Oh also I got a new phone and moving the app over to the new phone was a 5 minute job.
But their weak point historically was always a poor online / app experience. Has that changed now?
They were pretty slow getting online and apps sorted, that's for sure. But I think the current iterations of both the website and the app are very usable. The only other apps I have direct experience of are MBNA, Partnershipcard and Halifax - and First Direct is much better than any of them.
I am happy with Nationwide, I have cause to pay in a cheque about once a year and it can be done via their cashpoints. It would be good if they introduced paying in a cheque via a image. Now that clearing between banks is done via images it is the next step.
Monzo allow you to connect to other banks
It's called open banking and most banks are signed up to this.
Neither Starling or Monzo have web interfaces, only phone apps
Err, Starling do have a web app you have to use your phone to give access to a laptop, but after that its all via desk/laptop.
It’s called open banking and most banks are signed up to this in one form or another
There's a number of Open Banking options that the Big 9 current account providers are signed up to:
- making your account data available to Third Parties, with your consent (they all have to do this)
- showing your account data from other account providers, so you can see all of your accounts in one place (some do this, not all)
- allowing Third Parties to make payments from your account, with your consent, either to top up your account with that third party or pay for goods/services (they all have to do this)
https://www.openbanking.org.uk/
This is, for my sins, very much my day job.
Thanks all. 👍
Traditional banking
Nationwide.
I use them for my main banking and have done for over 25 years. I use the App on my phone most of the time, but the website is very good (and offers slightly more options). Setup of new DD's is easy, you just need to use the 'widget'. I have had to contact them about 5 times in the last five years and you speak to someone in the UK and the phone is answered quickly. If you go in to a branch they will also help with Internet banking issues *at least they did before COVID)
Natwest
I have only used them for about 12 months, but the App is very good (not quite as intuitive as the Nation-wide one). They have traditional website as well, but I have only watched my mum use it (it looked absolutely fine). Adding DD's and new payees was easy.
Modern Banking
Starling.
I have only been using them for a couple of months and had never used the website until now as I thought `I would test it for you. It seems you have to use the App on your phone to log in to the website. Easy enough, but I think that means it is no good for you.
<pedant>
if you're in your online bank and you're setting up a regular payment, you're setting up a Standing Order, not a Direct Debit. They're different things.
A standing order is you saying to your bank "every [frequency] send [this amount] to [this person/company]"
A direct debit is you saying to your bank "let [this company] take money out of my account when they need to", and you set it up with the company, who then send it to the bank, typically for paying bills
</pedant>
Well done everyone !
Plenty to think about. Might actually end up in Nationwide for my main account, just so I can wander in if I feel the need - has waaay better opening hours than my current (Barclays). Perhaps I'll go kerrazy and get a "modern" one too
Cheers all
Leftfield recommendation for Lloyds - been banking with them since forever in some form or another and their app / online portal does everything I've needed to do. They've also been accommodating when it comes to customer service - I've a relationship manager type bod with a direct number who does all the co-ordination when it comes to setting up meetings etc. Importantly they seem to have got the whole "a bank should be seen and not heard" thing right - there if I need them but not constantly bombarding me with selling / 'reviews' etc.
In contrast, we've also tried the following and moved within a year or two - typically due to issues with customer service, payments being messed around and I've not got a great deal of patience with being on hold, payments not being made, spurious charges (and lengthy wait-times to get them reversed).
Santander. A complete shower.
CO-OP.
Direct Line.
Importantly they seem to have got the whole “a bank should be seen and not heard” thing right – there if I need them but not constantly bombarding me with selling / ‘reviews’ etc.
The Barclays App lets you turn on / off all forms on contact inc ads for services in the App itself. If you don't want them to ever mail you, just tick the box etc.
Happy using Lloyds. It just works. I’ve only had to go to a branch when the app hasn’t been able to recognise text on a cheque, probably once in the last 5yrs???
Had been with First Direct for over 20 years and never had any issues. Changed from them for the ease of using Monzo especially whilst abroad.
Monzo don't charge any commission and their exchange rate is the 'true' Mastercard exchange rate, which is basically what the actual exchange rate is. Thus you just spend using your card normally when away from home, which is a major bonus for me. Also the app is excellent, it just works with no major fuss.
First Direct charged me a whopping £46 commission to buy 4 ski passes in Euros two years ago, that was the end of my business with them!
i would recommend co-op eco and great service
First direct. Been with them 18 years or so now.
Joined them after the previous bank introduced some sort of card reader and it took me 20mins trying to pay a gas bill. I smashed it with a hammer in a rage and joined fd the next day.
They haven't pissed me off yet.
