Smile

Z

Zozzy

At the Start
Joined
Apr 1, 2005
Messages
163
Hi all

I'm massively fed up with HSB(sodding)C and fancy a change.

I've heard good things about Smile and am thinking about applying but wondered if anyone here banks with them and what they make of the service?

Cheers in advance for any advice.
 
Not banked with Smile, are they an online one Zozzy?

Always find it helps to have someone to talk to face to face when it comes to banking and theoretically it's easier to get your money out. Not had a problem with HSBC myself other than when they sent my new cash card to the wrong branch so it took a month to get the card. Had to go into the branch to draw money out.
 
Yeah they're an online service based on Co-Op banking Martin.

They also have an ethical banking policy which appeals to me.

Lately it's been the attitude of the staff at HSBC, in fact in the whole time I've been with them I've only dealt with one member of staff who didn't come across as rude or for whatever reason I didn't get the impression they gave a stuff about my queries etc. Not really the attitude you expect of people who deal with your money! It's not just one branch either.
 
I've recently opened an account with them and I'm in the process of switiching everything over from my old bank. They were a little slow sending out new cards, cheque books etc but apart from that they've been great. They've phoned me a billion times to see if everything is ok and to see if I had any queries and have been very helpful :)

I like the fact that I can pay money in at the post office. I'd been with Abbey for about 15 years, and stayed with them out of sheer laziness after moving to Faringdon. The nearest Abbey was miles away and I had cheques piling up for weeks and months just waiting for me to drive to the branch to pay them in. Now I just stroll into town. I can take cash out at Link machines, so accessing my money isn't a problem either.
 
I've had the complete opposite attitude.

An ethical banking policy can only be a good thing, they sound like a good bank though I always wonder do you just use link machines and the like to access your money?

Do they do student accounts and the (whisper it) interest free O/D facility? Always find that very helpful as it can all be paid back from work in summer and helps make paying bills etc more flexible.
 
From a brief look at the website I believe they do do student accounts, and you use cash machines like other banks to make withdrawals.

Another bonus is that you can pay in cheques and cash at the post office, which is much easier for me living in a village than going into town, paying to park etc!
 
Yeah - the PO thing would definitely help. HSBC is good for me as where when at Uni I've always lived within about half a mile of a branch and can think of four or five branches within about 2 miles of my flat.

Guess it is a hassle having to drive just to access your money and talk to someone.
 
There is a Co-op Bank on West Street isn't there ? The centre of Sheffield is not short of banks !
 
Not sure about that Ardross unless it's the cash machine next to The Bedroom. Yeah there are plenty of banks in central Sheffield, including one with a built in coffee shop on Fargate :)
 
I've had an account with egg for a while and they are pretty good. Nothing to complain about, probably the best compliment I can say.

Also, Martin, the o/d limit stays in your account for a further 3 years at least after graduation at HSBC. Always useful!
 
Cheers Will, my old manager in work dropped out after a semester but has still managed to max her O/D out having not been at uni for the past 2 years or so. The system is open to abuse too.
 
Cheers for the update Griffin, sounds like I'd get on with them well, sorry I missed your reply before now!
 
Zozzy, I know they're HSBC but First Direct are superb, far, far better than HSBC. Always willing to help and I'd recommend them to anyone. I've been with them for about 6 years and they are different gear to the other banks I've been with (Midland as was, Alliance & Leicester and the God awful Natwest).
 
Cheers SL, I hate banks, I just don't know where to turn really! Shall avoid Natwest - sounds like you're not that fond of them :)
 
Smile are good, the only problem I had with them is when the Post Office cocked a cash deposit up and put it down as 40p as opposed to £40, Smile said they'd chase it up for me and two months down the line it still hadn't been resolved.

Generally, excellent though, much better than HSBC and Nat West but I don't think a good bank does exist.

Indeed there is a Co-Op Bank on West Street next to the Bedroom!
 
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