UK Bank Recommendations

Hi everyone. I just returned from my 3rd, yes 3rd attempt to open a bank account here in the UK and am feeling beyond frustrated with HSBC.  First I was told I need a utility bill. Then I brought it. Then they needed my marriage certificate, so I brought it.

Todays debacle... when bringing 6 copies of proof of address, multiple photo IDs, our marriage certificate, etc. The man FINALLY started helping us then two people qued behind us and he said "sorry this can't be rushed, there are 2 people waiting so you'll have to come back another time"

WHAT?!?!?!!

A. It has to be rushed. I need to get my correct banking information to payroll ASAP so I can collect my paycheck. Surely they have had people open accounts after beginning a job before... Husband is leaving for training so this does need to get done since he has to be there to add me. 

B.  How many dozens of times have I been stuck behind someone counting a thousand dollars worth of pennies to deposit and I still had to wait?

C. I can't keep taking off work to run around like a chicken with my head cut off.


I thought he was joking.  The only reason we were going with HSBC is because my husband is already a member and it seemed easiest to have all of our accounts there so we could both easily deposit into our joint account. However, this is the point where they are supposed to be trying to win my business and if its this frustrating now maybe I should go with another bank?

What do you all think? Does anyone have and good recs for banks here? I have USAA stateside and they're phenomonal so I have a hard time dealing with people with such poor service.

Hi everyone. I just returned from my 3rd, yes 3rd attempt to open a bank account here in the UK and am feeling beyond frustrated with HSBC.  First I was told I need a utility bill. Then I brought it. Then they needed my marriage certificate, so I brought it.

Todays debacle... when bringing 6 copies of proof of address, multiple photo IDs, our marriage certificate, etc. The man FINALLY started helping us then two people qued behind us and he said "sorry this can't be rushed, there are 2 people waiting so you'll have to come back another time"

WHAT?!?!?!!

A. It has to be rushed. I need to get my correct banking information to payroll ASAP so I can collect my paycheck. Surely they have had people open accounts after beginning a job before... Husband is leaving for training so this does need to get done since he has to be there to add me. 

B.  How many dozens of times have I been stuck behind someone counting a thousand dollars worth of pennies to deposit and I still had to wait?

C. I can't keep taking off work to run around like a chicken with my head cut off.


I thought he was joking.  The only reason we were going with HSBC is because my husband is already a member and it seemed easiest to have all of our accounts there so we could both easily deposit into our joint account. However, this is the point where they are supposed to be trying to win my business and if its this frustrating now maybe I should go with another bank?

What do you all think? Does anyone have and good recs for banks here? I have USAA stateside and they're phenomonal so I have a hard time dealing with people with such poor service.

We tried to open an account with the Isle of Man Bank when I moved over they refused us. We found Lloyd's TSB the easiest to get an account.

First Direct has been great for us.  (Somehow they're a part of HSBC, but aside from seeing it in various pieces of small print, you wouldn't know it from banking with them.)  We switched from Lloyds TSB a few months ago, so I don't know how easy it is to bank with FD if you're not yet a UK citizen or don't yet have ILR. 

If they won't let you open an account, I'd second the suggestion of Lloyds TSB.  They're as crap as every other high street bank in the UK, but didn't give me too much static about opening an account when I first came to the UK.

Thanks! We booked another appointment with HSBC tomorrow so if it goes sour again I will pop into Lloyds.  HSBC said I am fine to open an account with them. They even have a passport account for foreigners but the people I have encountered have just been extraordinarily unhelpful. I am starting to see a trend with customer service here, I hope it reverses soon!

I had no problem opening an account with Lloyds last August.   Good luck with HSBC. I hope it works out.

I switched from HSBC to the Co-op Bank and it's been pretty good so far, though the website is slightly wonky.

I managed to get a Barclays account with no problem about 3 weeks after I moved here on a spouse visa. My husband (who is also an account holder with them) was present with me and we just took the usual proof of address items and I had £1200 cash to deposit. I've never had any problems with them and have always found them incredibly helpful in sorting my finances.

I am starting to see a trend with customer service here, I hope it reverses soon!

Sadly, you'll find that it won't. Welcome to the UK!

DH has Nat West, and they are dismal. So I opened an account at Nationwide Building Society. I had virtually no issue opening an account (though I did have to go back a second time as first time I'd forgotten something). And every time I call I get a really friendly person who seems actually willing to help.

Sounds like everyone here has had a bad HSBC story, but I got a great service from them in Cambridge.  They opened a Passport Account for me on the spot with my passport.  I didn't have a lease or any utility bills.  I upgraded after a year to a "real" account with zero hassle. 

It's not all bad!

Scrap my comments!  Seems they are discontinued.