Santander

Banks. Can’t really opt out of them, I s’pose.
After a string of fraud on our Barclays account (still unresolved after 6 months) we finally threw in the towel and switched our joint «family» account to Santander. I stayed as long as I could stand as the thought of going through the process to get a new bank account, set up online access, get the cards, etc was daunting and unwelcome.
My husband was lured by the 3 percent interest on current accounts and also a percentage back on all utilities (can add up nicely!). He assured me it would all be very easy as they do the switching for you! Easy peasy?
Well, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. We had to go back (after the initial 1 HOUR appointment at this branch) 2 additional times to bring in different paperwork. We easily could’ve brought all of these items to the first appointment but were never given clear instructions on what to bring. They just said «passport» but in reality they needed an updated visa/​BRP — which is not in our passports, it’s a separate card and one I do not carry with me unless necessary.
Our rep Sabrina was nice and thoughtful and everyone I’ve dealt with has been good (an upgrade from Barclays, for sure) — but the disorganization that cost me several trips during an already busy week only warrants 3 stars.
We’ll see how the rest of the switch goes — but for now, I give it an AOK with hopes for 4-​stars down the line. Let’s get real, who can 5 star their bank? If you can, please write that review and send to me because I might be tempted to switch again if such a thing exists!