UK 18:16 Friday, 23 October 2026
Breaking news and expert analysis on fast-moving AIM and LSE listed shares
Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from ShareProphets). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Nominally I have a premium account with Barclays Wealth International in the Isle of Man. Given how most of its customers are multi-millionaire tax dodgers my tiny account (balance on Monday 90p because Darren forgot to pay me in full last month) must be a bit of an anomaly but still I am meant to get a premium service. If that is the case God help the rest of you with a “standard service”
Already a member? Sign in
• All premium articles
• Tom Winnifrith’s Bearcast
• Access to all the entire nearly 13 year archive
• ShareProphets Daily Newsletter
Cancel any time
This area of the ShareProphets.com site is for independent financial commentary. These blogs are provided by independent authors via a common carrier platform and do not represent the opinions of ShareProphets.com. ShareProphets.com does not monitor, approve, endorse or exert editorial control over these articles and does not therefore accept responsibility for or make any warranties in connection with or recommend that you or any third party rely on such information. The information available at ShareProphets.com is for your general information and use and is not intended to address your particular requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by ShareProphets.com and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any investment decisions.
Comments
J P Spaghetti
It’s so much more infuriating if you’re in one of life’s ‘transit’ stages and only have a mobile – of the PAYG variety – to make the call (so even 0800 numbers are charged). I’ll never forgive them for causing me to now automatically associate Vivaldi with the thought of rapidly diminishing credit!
J P Spaghetti
Just to add to my last comment – remember the good ‘ole days when one could readily discern busyness by the engaged tone or the interminability of the dialling tone? Didn’t cost a penny. And directory enquiries was free. Grr!
wildrides
Err sorry , but mines an ordinary AC and its better than that . The only downside is it appears as though the staff on the counter in branch have been trained recently to try and sell everything but the kitchen sink to anything that dares approach the counter with the intention of conducting normal retail banking activities . Personally I just want to bank cheques and take out money sometimes . It does get a little tedious when every visit seems like a slow motion visit to a financial advisor , especially when ones actually paying for banking services .
I am told by my brother that First Direct are very good ………. but sibling rivalry precluded me from investigating this in any depth . I know ……… brothers ……….. what are they like ………. if its not cars then its the size and number of tellys in ones house .
Maurice Waldman
Yes. Probably Santander is the most improved on C S.
Why not try one of the independent banks such as Shawbrook?Very canny.
I’m switching to them when my ship comes in….EDA 2nd April 2015.
AK47
Banks are a disgrace. They make billions yearly in profit and the standard of service is totally shit.
David Talbot
Hi Tom
Try Alpha Bank in Greece. On Aegina Island I get good service, the manager is always available in the branch, knows my name, always greets me as a friend in and out of the bank, and he has an office with the possibly best view in the world across the harbour to the Saronic Gulf. Only slight disadvantage – the bank may become insolvent.
Compare that to Lloyds Bank. I was trying to send some money to Greece – the Bank required additional (unnecessary) identification because nobody in the Brank recognised me, despite the fact the branch is small and I had banked there for over 25 years. Amazingly, only 10 days later when I was paying in a legacy cheque everybody recognised me and greeted me as there long lost friend, and wished to advise me on how to invest the funds!