I switched to Smile from HSBC a few years ago, primarily because of the fact they only invest ethically. One other happy consequence is that the interest on the current account was higher (confirmed again today by a quick glance at the Money section of the newspaper but obviously check yourself!).

No regrets at all since then.

--The Bank--

Smile are an online bank so all transactions take place online - checking balances, manging transfers etc... and they make it very easy for you. In addition to the online account you can telephone them (a call centre in Britain) and they seem to be able to do everything for you over the phone that you can do yourself online. You can also visit any branch of the Co-Op Bank for face to face assistance, to pay in cheques and so on.

--The Experience--

For me, interest rates aside, this is what differentiates banks and Smile have never left me anything but, erm, Smiling. Whether via the Co-Op Bank, over the telephone or online they've always been prompt and polite. Two examples:

- when I had issues with theft abroad they couldn't have been any nicer or quicker to help me resolve it
- whenever I post a query online I get an answer within hours - I don't know what their target is but I don't think I've ever waited more than a few hours...certainly by the end of the next working day there's always an answer waiting for me.

I couldn't recommend them any higher.