A good but not great bank (Halifax)

Member Name: asillars

Product:	Halifax
Date:	20/10/09 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Friendly staff and competitive interest

Disadvantages: Better elsewhere

I have been with this banking group sunce a child. Although i don't think they are the best, i very much doubt they are the worst.

Like all banks, you have a choice of current accounts, savings accounts, and ISA accounts for saving. The interest rates on these again are not the best but there are worse. At the time of writing this review they have a very competitive current account where a deposit of £1000 or more in a month will earn you £5. This is much better than the rubbish 0.1% interest accounts that are going about. Savings accounts and ISA's are best if dealing over the internet or phone as in branch the interest rates are poor like in all banks.

Staff are very friendly but can seem a bit robotic with them asking the same questions each time you are in and sometimes have a fake smile on. Well at least they smile. They are also hardened sales people and will always try to sell you their ultimate reward account where they charge you a small fee every month for personal benefits such as mobile phone insurance and other things.

Make sure you have phone contact unticked in their communcation area. I have had so many calls in the past with people trying to give me insurance and credit cards. If i wanted them i'd be out looking for them not waiting for someone to call. Even once had an argument down the phone to one.

The branches themselves are nicely laid out and always have a waiting area and cues can be quick to move.

Summary: A good but not great bank