New bank or building society recomendations

[ste v]

Im sick to death of Barclays terrible customer service - can anyone recomend a bank or building society whose staff arn't rude arrogant a***holes and has 24hr uk based call centres. thanks

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect much of your dissatisfaction would be down to a particular branch rather than a company policy. You make a choice and hope for the best.

[Gavmacp]

I was charged and extraordinary amount by Barclays. I told them I believed them to be excessive and I would be moving they charged and I moved to Lloyd's. Nat West had a bad reputation but I think they are also good.
If you do change bank keep your old account open for a year as not all Direct Debits, Standing Orders etc get transferred to your new account.

[Messalina]

First Direct - they're fab. I've been with them for years & when you ring them (at their Leeds centre), there's no Press 1 to be driven in sane, just a real person answering the phone. And they are very helpful & polite.

[sunny-dave]

First Direct - been with them since they started - very efficient, good online site & Leeds based call centre which answers much more quickly than most others and is unfailing helpful.

[4candles]

Nationwide Building Society. Always friendly, helpful, and no problems encountered in 21 years.

[Kristal53]

we were with barclays for years -private and business accounts - and got so fed up with the robbing baskets we left. We went to santander but found them useless -we are now with LLoyds TSB and they are very good - and their call centres are in UK I think.

[SlackAlice]

Nationwide Building Society, account held for over 25yrs with no problems, helpful staff whether on 'phone or in branch.

[barry1010]

Nationwide.

[themas]

Which? magazine user surveys consistently have First Direct at the top.

[buildersmate]

First Direct. Been with them since pretty much their beginning in 1994.

[tigwig]

Yep I would say First Direct too. By far the best bank I have experienced. Its great to be able to phone, have it answered almost immediately or very quickly and speak to someone english who understands you.

[bricro]

First Direct Must be No1.

[Nibble]

Nationwide - still a building society, not a bank.