Some will have more
than one cashpoint machine, or electronic paying-in facilities.
All of these factors combine to create an overall impression
of the branch and by association the bank itself.
None of
this of course yet touches upon the actual appeal of the current
account itself. Although a current account differs from and
tends to serve a different purpose to a savings account, the
existence of hidden charges, overdraft fees, and indeed an overdraft
facility are important when weighing up the pros and cons of
opening a current account at a particular bank.
On top of
this one may wish to consider comparing the availability, and
indeed the quality, of the customer support that is available
when any kind of special assistance or advice is required. Does
the bank issue a credit card upon request and what is the likelihood
of receiving a sympathetic hearing when asking for an increased
overdraft or a loan for your current account?
Some banks
without a presence in the high street will offer another incentive
by way of compensation, although it will have an arrangement
with at least one high street bank in any case to ensure that
the customer is able to conduct day to day transactions in the
usual way. One such provider actually gives new account holders
a financial bonus for signing up and opening a current account
with them.
It always
makes sense to compare current accounts, even if you currently
have an active account at a particular bank. Providers will
be only too happy to help you to switch to their bank should
you wish to do so. Compare the best current accounts using the
providers and websites shown above.