Netizen wrote:I've really gone off HSBC, despite being a Midland bank customer to begin with. They seem to have spent an enormous amount tarting up their branches to look like a BBC News set only with more perspex, which should be an utterly ace thing but isn't. The staff are all geared up for business banking rather than normal people, and they're always snotty when I actually get a chance to speak to someone. But that's probably because I insist on asking stupid questions.
Seeing as I've not actually put my thoughts down. I used to bank with HSBC. I still have an account with them as I'm paying off a large credit card and it's easier to transfer the money between that account and their credit card using internet banking. About a year ago I switched to Lloyds TSB and haven't had a lot of dealings with them during that time but I don't think I've got anything bad worth telling. I like the fact they don't charge an arrangement fee on your overdraft, whilst not the most competitive interest rate, it makes things that little bit better when everyone else is charging £25 for the pleasure. They also tell you there are then whether you've been accepted or not which a lot of banks don't.
Also I like their "save the change" feature which will round up debit card transactions to the nearest pound and take the difference and automatically put it in your internet savings account. You're never going to get rich from it, but I have found it useful when I need a couple of quid. It's a nifty feature.
I guess my only gripe is that I tried to apply for a personal loan with them to "consolidate my debts" and they offered me an astonishing interest rate of 24.9%. Seeing as this was more than the credit card and overdraft I'm trying to pay off, it simply wasn't worth it. Although, it could be down to the circumstances at the moment, what with the credit crunch like it is. I did try for a loan elsewhere and was turned down. Probably did me a favour in the long run!
Shame you can't do faster payments over the internet though but I think it's hit and miss with almost every bank. You can do them over the phone which never you let down, so that's good.
I was thinking of changing and being a bank tart. Now I live in a village I was attracted by the option of paying in money at my local Post Office. I can do it with Lloyds but it takes around 9 nautical days to clear so isn't worth it. I know you can do it instantly with the Co-Op or Alliance & Leicester. The latter I've heard nothing but bad things about.