A warrior for better consumer practice, and stamping out exploitation.
A warrior for better consumer practice, and stamping out exploitation.
Member since:04.11.2009
Reviews:2
I have two current accounts, the first being with the Co-operative Bank PLC, my local branch is London Street, Norwich. The main purpose of this account is primarily to pay bills via direct debit.
I have a second current account held with Natwest, which any leftover money at the end of the month is paid into. On the whole very happy with both companies, however the customer service I have received from the clerks at Co-operative’s Norwich Branch, is un-surpassed.
How nice it is in this day in age, to be welcomed on arrival by warm and welcoming staff who remember your name. And should you need to wait to speak to a personal banker, they offer you free tea and coffee making facilities whilst you wait. You don’t get that at Natwest.
I first opened my account with the Co-operative in April 2004, my original account was a Cashminder account (a type of basic account) that came without an overdraft or cheque book. However it did have a visa electron debit card. After only 9 months of banking with them, the cashier mentioned that I would be eligible for a full current account with overdraft facilities. An appointment was then made to see a personal banker who converted my account to a full current account on the same day. With in 3 days my new card and cheque book had arrived.
I carry out most of my banking online nowadays, but its useful having a branch near by. The telephone banking system is phenomenal, and in addition you can even pay into and withdraw from you account from any UK post office, even cheques if you have a correct envelope.
The call centres are UK based, and the operators mostly seem professional, friendly and well informed. The internet banking site, is very clear and easy to use. The only problem I have is trying to remember all the security questions. The Co-operative Bank request 5 security questions, of which one is randomly generated on login into the site.
If you forget its no problem, as the general helpline is open 24hrs a day 365 days a year. There is no account admin fees on the standard current account. However if you bounce a cheque or go over any authorised overdraft there is a fee of £19.50. However if this is the first instance within 12 months the fee is waived and just a letter is issue. Its only happened to me once thankfully.
The only thing I think is worth mentioning is the debit cards run on the LINK authorising network. Having worked outside of the UK for some years, I have noticed not all countries are able to process payments from the card (Especially in the Middle East) Also, you’ll be unable to remotely authorise the card I.e. purchasing duty free whilst onboard an aircraft unlike the DELTA network.
On the whole a big thumbs up to the Co-operative Bank, great service, highly recommended, especially the Norwich Branch.
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Good review. I do feel you could have gone into more detail though as most of what you have written is common practice in any bank in the country, therefore not really giving any unique info as to why people should choose this bank.
UnhappyUnfairCharges 11.11.2008 (05.11.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Co-operative Bank
Nov 4th, 2009
very helpful by (40%):
helpful by (60%):
