I have just switched my main bank account from Nationwide to Santander via their switching service about 2 months ago. I did this because I was getting fed up with Nationwide not giving me any interest on my money, with their customer service and generally not getting a good deal.

Santander were offering £100 for switching if you move all direct debits and standing orders and have at least 2 paid within 3 months of the account opening. Easy peasy. I was also offered at the time of opening the chance to open a savings account. I opened it just in case I use up my ISA allowance.

I filled in the online form, then was sent various letters explaining what was happening. I only encountered one problem with one direct debit but this was easily fixed by phoning santander (after finding a non charging number via saynoto0870.com) and they sent that company a letter that sorted it all out.

I then received a slip to say that my new visa card was in my local branch, so I went to pick it up. It was there and I also received a separate letter with my pin number.

I am now using the account successfully and my salary gets paid into it as well. Im looking forward to my £100 reward, who doesnt need an extra cash boost!

I had heard bad things about the banks customer service, but so far I have only encountered helpful members of staff and the call centre is free to call if you search for an alternative number. I have also bought online successfully so I am very happy with the switch over. Now to close my nationwide account!