Changing Banks

[The Great Wallsendo]

Despite being a "loyal" customer to Natwest of 12 years I have recently rec'd less than satisfactory service (and also on prior occasions) that has lead me to question whether being loyal these days actually gets you anywhere with your bank...

So...I'm looking to move

Is it as much as a hassle as it sounds? IE moving DDs, Salary, Mortgages etc etc? so that they all move smoothly and money doesn't leave the wrong account during the transition period?

[Lowrider]

I moved from Abbey after been with them for 16 years, to Barcleys.
No probs at all,banks are so keen for new punters they are falling over themselves to get it right

[Red5]

I changed a few years ago from LLoyds to RBS and it was an effing nightmare. I was told it would be a smooth transition, I'd get a free overdraft to cover my account until my wage was paid in and that they would contact my previous bank to cancel my direct debits. What happened was they never told my old bank that and my wage wasn't paid in there any more, My direct debits hadn't been cancelled and so I had my money in my new account with no direct debits set up and my old account had no money and all these direct debits screaming to be paid and no money to pay them. V Stressful.
Still got sorted in the end am happy now but would not change again. Banks are a bit like politicians in my eyes. All as bad as each other.

Some people will tell you one lot is bad and another group of people will tell you they've had great service.

[alan]

HSBC for me
I would be careful putting too much personal detail on a public forum !

[The Great Wallsendo]

point noted Alan

Jeremy Clarkson recently posted his own bank details in his column stating confidently that the "system" was safe and that no one could possibly do anything with them...

A charity set up a D/D for £500 and it was debited from his account

I think I'll be moving to Barclays though - they seem more in touch with their customers