Smile - Great banking from the Co-Op (smile.co.uk)

Member Name: Benham

Product:	smile.co.uk
Date:	25/07/05 (276 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great Interest Rate, Top Customer Service, Good Overdrafts

Disadvantages: Setting up account can be a pain, Watch for charges!

As someone who errs slightly towards trades unionism, and the like I decided to switch my current account to the newest offering from the Co-Operative bank, Smile.
Now, I should point out that I am a mere 18 years old, getting hold of a decent current account through banks is a bit of a pain, I earn less than £6,000 a year as a sales assistant for Woolies, so an overdraft, I thought was stuff of mere dreams.....
I applied for a Smile current account (fed up with my card from a large high street bank) and typed my details in, within minutes I had a decision, YES, a Visa guarantee card, and a whooping £500 overdraft!! With anything over -£260 in my account I'm charged 3.3%EAR but I'll live with that!

Now came setting up the account, which for me was four forms of ID, simple I thought, car log book, driving licence, passport, and insurance certificate for my car. Got it all signed by my neighbour who's a PC, and sent it off....

A few days later I got a reply to say I couldn't use my Driving licence and my log book because they from the same source, hey-ho, I sent them a statement from my current bank.

The account was set up and I received my card and cheque book a few days later. However two weeks later I'm still waiting for my paying in book....

So in all, I recommend smile, great customer service, and they're kind to us young 'uns!

AB

Summary: Great bank, kind to young people, top customer service