Switching banks - which is best?

Howdy,

Now that the banks have adopted a code of practice to allow easier account switching I am considering doing so.

I am currently with AIB. Their recent overcharging episodes have caused me to lose confidence in them.

So do readers have any recommendations on which banks is best?

I would be opening a current account so I guess the following criteria would influence my decision:

- bank charges
- quality of telephone/online banking
- honesty (i.e likelihood of overcharging)
- competence (i.e. likelihood of John Rusnak type episodes)

A bank that offers competitive mortgage rates to first time buyer would also be a factor.

Do readers have any good stories to tell about the banks or are they all tarred with the same brush?

Just came across this pdf which compares bank charges....

[broken link removed]

Switching Banks

Hi Cre na cille 1
I am currently switching from BOI after 20years + to NIB and so far so good. Mortgage and all!!

They offer free banking, A tracker mortgage of 2.79 compared to my current 3.6% mortgage and they are paying 600e towards my legal fees.

I should only have to cover about 250e myself but will save approx 7Ke in interest and 150e+ pa in Bank charges. I cant wait to have it all completed.
Also I am very impressed with their Online facility as I do all my banking online. You can even view your mortgage account online which I couldnt do with the BOI.

Hope this is of help!!

Re: Switching Banks

An interesting case history can be found towards the end of this [broken link removed] from boards.ie