Self employed. Which business bank?

[Andy C]

Guys and Ladies,

Any advice on what’s the best business account to start off with.

I am currently using my own personal account but want to move away from that as I may decide to go Ltd.

So can I ask for experiences good and bad with banks especially internet banking.

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[davesparks]

From my experience Barclays and Lloyd's are good, HSBC are bad.

Lloyd's get bonus points for making the best tea when I have been to see them.

 

[123]

I heard Santander won’t take cash or even check over the counter and has to be done through machine? I’m with Lloyd’s and have a dedicated person to deal with.

Sadly this is correct. A royal PITA at times as the machine is slow when doing multiple deposits, and sometimes it can't read the cheque. Also it often doesn't take all the notes on a cash deposit.

 

[pirate]

Sad how we can't find a good bank these days...
just saying.

 

[Moley]

I had a HSBC account. It was a business account although it was for a classic van owners club. I ended up closing it as it was too expensive. They also charged me an annual fee for the credit card even though the account was closed and I struggled to get the money back.

 

[rolyberkin]

I quite like the fact that you can use a Post Office with HSBC although I do have one three minutes walk from my house, cash just gets paid over the counter straight onto your debit card which then finds it's way into your account.

 

[pirate]

Popped into my bank here in Spain last week, as I had forgotten my PIN. No problem...oh, your card is years out of date!
Yes, well i haven't used it because I forgot my PIN!

OK, I will give the old one to this lady...it will take about 20 minutes to issue a new card and new PIN...do you have time for a coffee?

Yes, no problem!

OK, I take you!

and off we went, and he paid!

Don't you just love it when something good happens?