I've had the habit for years (Abbey National)

Member Name: wtwildcats

Product:	Abbey National
Date:	05/11/02 (792 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: branches everywhere, well known brand

Disadvantages: slowish service at busy times

And its possibly the best bank I've come across.

In that time there hasn't been any problems with the operation of my current account at all. They have flawlessly set up my direct debit mandates, my standing orders, and processed my bill payments without flinching.

The money has left my accout with ease.

I'm so happy with Abey National that I have a mortgage with them, and ISA with them, Payment Protection with them, along with my current account.

All they way through, they have been helpful and responsive to my needs and demands.

I joined, and got a cheque book and card :) 8 years later, I still have those, but more besides... I have a relationship with my branch and its staff. No longer do the counter staff call me Dr Daley, but they call me Andy, and we chat about my rugby league team, work, christmas, kids etc. It is a pleasure to go to the branch and the staff are incredibly friendly.

I was happy in the beginning, but then telephone banking was introduced, and that gave me 24 hr access to my account to do simple things, and that access is still there. From memory you can pay automated bills (ie you have already set up the account to accept instructions beforehand), check balances, request statements etc 24 hrs a day and I think you can speak to someone 12 hrs a day.

I say "think", and "from memory" because over the last few years I have either visited the branch personally, or used the internet access facility. Right now I could be paying a bill.

The Internet banking facility is easy to operate and straightforward, with enough checks to make sure you are certain about paying bills etc, before any transaction is processed.

AN have alway been efficient with me, which I believe is going against the grain from some of the other reviews I have read, but I have never had a problem, and thats why this is so positive.

Currently they are offering an
amazing deal - if your current account interest is better than what they offer you (thats aroud 3% in credit) then they will give you £50.

Can't go wrong.

Their bank account is particularly good. After all, thats what we are reviewing in this section.

You can choose from "in credit" rates of interest or "overdrawn" rates of interest. I think you need to deposit a minimum of £1000 per month to be able to attract the "in credit" interest, but I am not sure. The difference is that if you choose to have the "in credit" rate, you get a high rate of interest when in credit, but a hefty penalty (normal rates) when going overdrawn, and the "overdrawn" rate means you aren't charged a lot of APR for borrowing money, but you dont get much interest when in credit either.

One of these options will not just suit you, they can increase your finances too.

I would recommend Abbey National, after all I have been treated well - their bank account is excellent.

So sorry, I should have said what they charge for... if you want a complete list, then comment or message me, and I will supply details. But you are charged a whopping £5 over the counter to pay bills !!! It's free if you set up your bill payments facility, and then you can pay bills via ATMs, Phone or internet banking, completely free :)

Summary: