I had decided to open an account with Barclays for the convenience of being able to pay money in at Barclays branches for occasions when none of my other banks' branches are nearby. This is important to me because I do receive a lot of cheques and Internet banking just doesn't help.

I took ID, credit and bank statements into my nearest Barclays bank, and waited in the waiting area until I was called up. When it was my turn, I was called over by a young male and invited to his desk where he preceded to enter my details into his computer. When completed, I was told that I couldn't have a Current account because my credit score isn't good enough. Poor start, but I was recommended a more basic current account, which I was happy with since I could still pay in at branches with it. I filled in a paper form, handed it in and left hoping for something through the post.

I asked if I could have a small overdraft and I was told I was entitled to one. Whilst entering the details, she said she accidentally chose 'no' to the overdraft and that I can go back next week to ask for it to be applied, so I did. However, the lady relocated to a different branch, and I was served by another young male, whom told me I couldn't get an overdraft because of my credit score and to apply after three months. I did that three months later and even though I'd been paying in my salary of over £1000.00 each month, still couldn't get the overdraft. They say I had been paying in small amounts on some months but what the guy saw on his computer screen were the smaller deposits I make over the month, on top of my salary. They seem to just follow what their computer screen says for these decisions, but either way, why did the first lady tell me I was entitled to an overdraft in the first place?

I've never been overdrawn so have not been hit by any of their charges. Only reason they're lower now (£8 per item) is because all banks had to lower the fees due to new laws. Like all other banks, once that happened, they try to find new ways to fleece you and Barclays's answer seems to be this Personal Reserve system (sort of like an agreed overdraft) where they charge you £22 if you go overdrawn by over £1, allowing you to be overdrawn for five days regardless of items but within a certain limit, after which they'd charge you £22 again. I had to opt out of this system. Current account interest rate is 0.1% for most but new accounts will pay no interest whatsoever so they're not competitive in terms of current accounts but this is in line with banks like Natwest.

Like every other bank, Barclays provides access to Internet Banking through their website. I find their website goes down a lot in the late evenings and 12am onwards, which I guess is fine but I also find that I get 'kicked off' and have to re-log in during the early evenings, which is annoying. This happens in all web browsers. There is a PINSentry card reader, which is needed to log in to their system.

If you want convenient online facilities, then Barclays fails there too as their website isn't as good as those of Natwest and HSBC when it comes to usability and reliability. Also, the PINSentry thing, although Natwest has a similar device for security, you don't need to use it every time you want to log in, only when you create new Payees, which I feel is enough for security. If you want a bank with lots of branches for convenience, then I'd recommend them just for that reason. It's the only reason I opened an account, so everything else doesn't matter unless something goes wrong. I generally manage my money well enough to keep myself from going overdrawn but if you're not like this, then don't bother with Barclays. Barclays are the worst bank I've ever dealt with as I find my other banks to be more efficient with everything where Barclays have failed to meet my expectations, as well as showing more interest in having me as a customer. I simply do not feel like a valued customer!