Due to very poor service, after numerous years we left Abbey National, not long after Santander bought them out. We joined the Clydesdale Yorkshire Banking Group and have been quite happy with the service level that we have received. It's been announced today that they are the subject of a £1.7 billion takeover by Virgin Money. I'm tempted to look elsewhere before that happens. Anybody recommend a reliable alternative.?
If You’re just looking for a decent current account you should change every 12 months to take advantage of the perks. Halifax regularly have a £125 switching bonus plus £3 a month.
You know the saying that you are more likely to change your life partner than your bank?. Well thats me (*not that I am thinking of leaving my partner). I have been with one bank since they offered me £15 to sign up as a student, too many years ago. Which is HSBC (Midland Bank, as was). They are fine, no issues. Can't comment on anyone else
CYBG have bought Virgin Money, not the other way around. I wouldn't expect any changes any time soon.
It said on the tea time Calendar bulletin that Virgin was taking over CYBG. The article in the Guardian would seem to imply the same.? https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jun/18/virgin-money-bought-clydesdale-bank-cybg
Couldn’t pay me £125 to piss about changing direct debits, redownload apps etc. Been with the Hong Kong shanghai banking company for many years and not a bad word to say so can’t see a point in the faff of changing
They do everything for you so takes about 20 minutes. You only have to change your bank details with the payroll at your work. It’s as easy as changing home insurance, car insurance, utilities etc. Little bit of effort for an easy reward, but each to their own.
Moved from Santander who I found to be utterly incompetent after they took over my account from Alliance and Leicester. Moved to First Direct and haven't had a moments' bother - plus their regular saver account does 5% interest.
Halifax reward account, as already mentioned. Pay in £750 a month and they'll give you £3, plus they have cashback deals with certain merchants.
Virgin has been acquired according to the numerous business based media streams and the Times is also reporting it. I know Virgin have been courting bids for several years after a failure to build its high street business and being overtaken by MetroBank. As for a "good bank"... i'm not sure what sort of customer you are and what sort of things you perceive to make a bank good. I've had numerous down the years and theyre pretty much a muchness. Whoever you go with wil treat you as a number, offer paltry interest and try and only contact you when they are trying to sell you something you probably don't need. Only one I'd say avoid is TSB with its tech issues its having. Metrobank are solid and unspectacular but not sure if youre happy with online only or need a local branch. Aside from that, I'd say review every year what interest rates youre paying and receiving, and judge against the market. Banks and loyalty don't go together anymore.