Bank accounts WHEEEEEEEE!

I'm going to open a bank account when I get a job.... I was with Wachovia, and very very happy with them. Who do you bank with? Are you happy with them? I don't know what kind of accounts are available, I just want something with online banking, debit/check card and checks. I don't want to have to pay a fee every month, although I doubt any bank still charges. I've looked at Lloyds TSB, but I don't know much about any other banks.

We're with Halifax. Crap on toast. I hear Nat West is pretty good but Lloyd's TSB was recently investigated regarding high-pressure tactics in giving out loans. Didn't sound good.

If you can find a bank that cashes cheques in less than 5-7 working days (seriously - WTF?!) go with them, quickly!

I bank with HSBC and have had no problems with them.  I don't pay a fee for my account and have cheques, debit card and internet banking. 

If you can find a bank that cashes cheques in less than 5-7 working days (seriously - WTF?!) go with them, quickly!

In this day and age, there's absolutely no need for a bank to be kiting your money! My sister and BIL are with Clydesdale.  I gave BIL a check for $5,000.  He took it to a teller in Kelso, and it was in his account the next morning.  I think I'll go with them unless there's a better student deal on offer when I get to uni.

We're with Halifax. Crap on toast. I hear Nat West is pretty good but Lloyd's TSB was recently investigated regarding high-pressure tactics in giving out loans. Didn't sound good.

If you can find a bank that cashes cheques in less than 5-7 working days (seriously - WTF?!) go with them, quickly!

Doesn't sound good for Lloyds! I don't understand why it takes a week for one bank to wire money to another. It takes Western Union 15 minutes to wire money from one country to another.

I bank with HSBC and have had no problems with them.  I don't pay a fee for my account and have cheques, debit card and internet banking. 

Hands down...HSBC sounds like the way to go! Gosh, I may even change on principle!

Jules

I tried Lloyds first before coming to my senses and switching to HSBC. Lloyds was a disaster from Day One. At first they told me I'd have to wait three months before getting a cheque book or debit card. They gave me an ATM card, but I had to get to my nearest town with a bank to withdraw money every time I needed it ... and paying rent was a b*tch with daily maximum ATM withdrawals. The three weeks turned into a month, then two months ... then finally they told me that they had no idea when I'd "qualify" for the debit card. I would have switched earlier, but I assumed that all UK banks would be the same. I walked across the street to HSBC and had a debit card in my hand a half-hour later.

i've been with natwest for the last two years (since i arrived here).  it was a choice between barclay's, natwest, and peterborough building society (the three banks in my small town).  please be advised that opening a bank account is tricky here in the UK.  it's mostly b/c very stringet laws, but is often complicated by bad customer service, etc. 

the nice thing about the UK vs. the US is that in the UK all major bansk do NOT charge to use their ATM card in another major bank's machine (small machines in pubs/clubs/racetracks you are still charged to use).

Apparently the banks keep cheques so long b/c it earns them interest. The longer they can keep hold of cash the more interest they earn on YOUR money. When all the cheques that go into various banks are totalled up it's gotta be in the millions.

I thought I'd heard of legislation to put a stop to this racket. Anyone else know anything?

i've been with natwest for the last two years (since i arrived here).  it was a choice between barclay's, natwest, and peterborough building society (the three banks in my small town).  please be advised that opening a bank account is tricky here in the UK.  it's mostly b/c very stringet laws, but is often complicated by bad customer service, etc. 

the nice thing about the UK vs. the US is that in the UK all major bansk do NOT charge to use their ATM card in another major bank's machine (small machines in pubs/clubs/racetracks you are still charged to use).

I've found it to be really easy. I've talked to two banks, and with both it's really straight forward.

Two days in London and I already have a bank account with HSBC!  Woo hoo!  We picked HSBC because my company also banks with them. My office finance manager personally walked me and my wife over to the local branch and introduced us to the bank manager and vouch for our information. After two HOURS of paperwork and detailed questions (i'm surprised they didn't ask me for my measurements or blood type), we finally got a current account. Much easier than I expected. The only paperwork they asked for was our passports, letters of introduction from both our employers, and U.S. drivers license.

A big congrats!! HSBC seems the way to go!

So glad it was painless for you as some of us had quite a difficult time opening an account.