retired_hinchmaa

Been with Lloyds forever. Thinking of changing.
Which accounts do you have and recommend?

retired_sedimohasel

In Philadelphia definitely PNC Bank. In NYC I'm trying to decide right now since I just moved here.
I guess it depends on what city you live in

retired_hinchmaa

In the uk, i should have said.

retired_heidus17

what displeases you about lloyds?

retired_hinchmaa

Been with them over 15 years and when i asked for a loan, the best they could offer was 13.2%!! And i've a good credit rating.

Bank charges are high.

retired_heidus17

might be best to shop around other banks for just loans, you dont neccesarily need to move to them (though you may wish too).
13.2% might be kind of standard though. i've been with lloyds for ~16yrs but as the first 10 i was under 18 they probably dont care about that. i imagine its probably the same for you.

retired_hvporter

So long as you avoid the halifax and any of their affiliates like the plague, you will do well. I have been with Nat West for eleven years now and they have been good. Having said that, I know people have had poor experiences of them.

Try here for ideas: www.moneysavingexpert.com

retired_irenenieves

I worked for Barclays, and I think the rate of interest you get with banks these days goes off your account performance, i.e. how much money goes in and out each month, spending patterns (do you take out hundreds of a weekend?), if you've incurred any charges etc.

retired_justin05

Try and read up on the results of the JD Power survey for British banks. Customer service is important when changing banks. Abbey for instance did terribly and my recent experiences indicate the survey is right. On the plus side they did give me £150 for poor service.

retired_hinchmaa

Alliance & Leicester seem pretty good.

There's also a switching service with transfers d/d's and salary income to the new account. It does take 3 to 6 weeks, which seems a long time to me.