The Co-Operative Bank

In the small area where l grew up there was only two banks that you could go to The bank of scotland or the royal bank, and most family’s would stay loyal to a particular bank and to switch or move to another was not common.
I banked with the bank of Scotland for over 30+ years ever since l was a kid, it was a sad day to move to a rival.
The co-​operative bank may not offer more interest than most places, but they sure make up with the personal touch, with most staff not even looking like bankers, with many of the staff remembering clients by first name, here l feel I’m not just a number.
Definitely a bank worthy of 5 stars.

I am a newbie to this bank — I like that they invest their money responsibly/​ethically. I have only been in a couple of times and the service is really good — be warned it does get rather packed at lunchtime!

I might seem odd to review the Co-​Op and give them 5 stars (particularly after the scandal they’re going through at the moment) but you know what — I really love this bank. I switched here because I wanted to bank with a more ethical bank about 2 years ago. We went into the branch and got all our accounts set up as well as a joint account and were helped through the process by a guy working there called Martin. Martin doesn’t seem like your typical bank employee — he’s a pretty chilled out guy, but that’s not to say he doesn’t know his stuff. He has good chat, a laugh and is super helpful every time I’ve encountered him ever since. So big props to Martin for being so awesome at his job.
I rarely have to pop into the branch (which I also really like) but when I do I find that I’m served quickly and easily. I have been in recently for a few different reasons — picking up cash for a float for roller derby, getting my card unlocked when I forgot my PIN and kept trying to guess it anyway — and each time I get really good, quick service and a smile.
My previous banking experiences were pretty dire but it is nice to be able to bank without much hassle. Greatly appreciated!

They just keep being nice to me… stop is guys, stop it.
Kicking about in the city with a mind full of banking type tasks to do, you’ll find me in a state of brain fog, avoiding buses, bumping into folks and generally muttering things like: ‘Where does it go? How much? Do I have a pen?‘
These dudes almost make it simple:
Make an appointment with these dudes, turn up, get taken on time and with a smile… can you ask for more?
If you bank with these guys, they just make it simple. Easy.

I agree, although I have not had he good fortune of meeting Martin. i would say that th Coop is never a bank I would have secured my money with, thats because I just thought the big boys like Halifax and Bank of Scotland would do a better job. Do a better job at what is unknown? maybe not losing it.
However recently when closing down my first ever account in favour of the second one I had acquired I decided to go and invest my money into a savings account and I chose Coop because they didnt ask for quite as large a fee to begin my account. I received a friendly service and am delighted to be greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff every time I go in. It is not that often, but I like the fact now that I am not with one of the others for savings.