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Lloyds TSB
by ginger321
I wanted to write this review to highlight one particular good point - many others have been made by other reviewers so I don't want to waste your time or mine repeating them.
Paying in cash can be a right pain. I have to pay small amounts of cash in each week, which with other banks seems to require a tedious queue at teh ... cashiers desk, preceded by trying to find a parking space and getting there when the bank is actually open.
Not with the old Black Horse!
They offer a nifty "Cashpoint" envelope paying in system - no need for a card though, just bung your paying in slip and cash into one of their free envelopes and whack it in the special letter slot at the branch.
But the best bit is that you can do it 24/7 - means you can drive up to your branch in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon - park right outside - walk over - do your banking - and OFF - all in about 20 seconds (depending on how spritely you are!).
For me, this is a massive time saver!
Roll on Drive in Cashpoints!!
For this alone, 9/10!
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HSBC
by hanz_baker
This review is specifically on the HSBC Fast Balance app and not the bank on a whole.
I downloaded the app from iTunes because I wanted an easy way to keep tabs on my finances. The app is free to download and anyone with a HSBC Current Account where you've been provided with a debit card can use the app.
Once you've ... downloaded the app, you need to agree to the terms and conditions and enter your details (account information and phone number). You then enter your debit card details to link everything up and get sent an activation code in text message. Once you've entered the activation code you have to create a numerical passcode between 5 and 8 digits. That's it for setting it up, you're now good to go!
When using the app, you only ever need your passcode, you don't need your internet banking passwords or the little calculator number generator like you do with internet banking. Once you're logged in you have 6 options - Balance, Mini-statement, Top-up phone, Manage accounts, Manage Fast Balance and Service options. They pretty much do as they say on the tin. The balance option shows your account balance as well as your available balance which I find really handy. If, like me, you check your balance and wonder how on earth you have such little money in there you can then check your mini-statement which will jog your memory by showing you the last 6 transactions to happen on the account. Topping up your phone is no use to me as I have a contract phone but I thought it was a good idea for those people on PAYG. The remaining 3 options are just the various ways of managing your account on the app - not your actual bank account! You can add other debit cards, change your passcode etc. This leads me on to the downfall of this app. You can't actually manage your bank account through the app. There are no options to transfer money between your other accounts (Savings, ISA's etc), paying bills or any of the other services you have when using internet banking or visit a branch. I feel like HSBC are missing a trick here.
Overall, what the app offers is done well. It's handy to check your balance and recent transactions when you're on the go or you don't want to faff about with your little calculator to log on to your online banking but I feel like HSBC should offer more from their app. I don't bank with anyone else so I can't compare it to others but I would imagine that there are apps offering more account management than this one. Even if it was just being able to transfer between all your own accounts and not pay/transfer to any external party which would still be secure but would also be beneficial. Especially for people like me who overspend and need a quick transfer from another account to carry on spending :)
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Natwest Bank
by missfwells
I really like Natwest, before I was with Natwest I was with HSBC and unfortunately HSBC's charges were far too much and I kept getting stuck in a kind of debt loop? I complained to HSBC though and they were amazing and refunded every penny, I have only recently began getting into debt with my Natwest card because I had my Paypal set up ... with my debit card instead of my credit card - I always send my money over to my credit card because it is a Natwest 'YourPoints' card so I get points for spending and any other money I move to my Natwest savers account so I get interest on it. Natwest charges have been okay so far, they only charge if you're in debt over a specific amount I think and they charge £6 each day you're in debt but do not include weekends and they'll send you an email/text/letter so you know you've gone over!
What I love about Natwest is the online banking is so simple and all of my accounts are in one place (savers account/credit card and debit card) - however this is only a recent change. Natwest customer service is also great, I have rung/emailed them for help previously and they have always been helpful.
Overall, I recommend Natwest - I have been with them for a couple of years now and have had no issues.
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