Bank Recommendations?

apologies if this is already an existing thread, I couldnt find it.  I am just looking for overall experiences with UK bank, which ones folks recommend and which to stay away from.  Simple checking account and potential credit card are my needs.

thanks!
Paul

Whichever one will take you.

I've heard good and bad about all of them.  I've gotten different information from different branches in different parts of the city. 

I have heard from multiple people that First Direct is very good, although that is Internet only so it may be difficult.  Stay away from Metro if you are in London - a friend had recommended them and they were a major waste of time who kept changing the documentation requirements.  We eventually had luck with TSB, but I can't really tell if their products are any better or worse than any others.  Supposedly Lloyds has a New to the UK product.  I have also heard some decent things about Halifax, although they couldn't do anything for us.

HSBC was the only bank that would take me being so new to the country, and even then I had to pay £8 a month to hold the account.

Since then I have moved to Halifax with no problems, as they have better banking services for my needs, plus that is who we got our mortgage with.

Hope this helps.

HSBC was the only bank that would take me being so new to the country

This was our experience too with my DH so if it's speed and ease of opening an account then this is a good recommendation.

My experience of banks is that they are all hit and miss...for every great experience you will hear about there is an opposite experience out there.  It all depends on what you want...interest rates, benefits, access to money etc.

I have been with band of Scotland all my adult life but during that time I have had cause to take them to the ombudsman....but aside from that I have no complaints

I had no trouble at all opening an account at lloyds. I think all I brought was a passport and proof of address. There are no fees attached to it. I haven't tried for a credit card with them yet but my fiancé just got his first credit card with them a while back.

I had no trouble opening an account with Nationwide. I think all I needed was my passport and proof of address.

Hi,

Take a look at Metrobank as well.

The 'usual' banks are what everyone will try and most likely, one of them will get you an account. From similar questions here in the past, some banks are better than others but within that, some have found other banks to be more helpful when other's haven't ! seems like bit of a lottery when reading some responses.

Once you get one from the usual banks, look at MetroBank as well as a supplementary account etc which could prove useful in getting a UK credit history just that little bit quicker for you too.

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!