firstdirect.co.uk

Just joined after getting fed up with shoddy treatment at A&L.

Here's a comparison, based on my experience:

To get through to a grumpy, rude individual at A&L involves 5 to 10 minutes of options, security numbers, awful depressing music, PINS, automated lectures about how seriously they take 'customer security' blah blah blah.

To get through to a polite, approachable professional at FD takes ONE RING. Just ONE RING.

I think that says it all, really. I've been with A&L for about 18 years, but I would have left them much sooner had I realised that there are other banks out there, like FD, who still believe in great customer service.

I have been with First Direct for some years and have been v. pleased with them. Especially their phone service - no `press 1 or 2 etc.
Only once has something gone wrong - separated from my husband we continue to have a joint account but when he changed his address mine was changed to his in error. My statements went to his address. Luckily no harm was done and situation rectified immediately.

First Direct is they type of bank that you will want to stay at, for starters they offer you £50 for switching your account to theirs. Once signed up their website provides an easy to use interface which is very secure; something that we all appreciate in this day and age. They Offer: free day-to-day banking automatic fee free £500 overdraft - subject to status 10.9% EAR variable £500 a day cash machine withdrawals bank online, by telephone and text message we help you transfer your salary, standing orders and direct debits up to 2.00% AER (1.98% gross) interest on credit balances card with chip and PIN technology ...