Someone else's woe prompted me to come to this site only yesterday and I haven't had time to look through all the wonderful/valuable info yet. Anyway, what you wrote caught my eyes, Lou and does anyone know whether it is 'legal' for them taking money out of our accounts without prior notifications/warnings ?? Thanks.

The traditional banks have more advantages than the building society conversions as they seem to offer better facilities. When I was in a very good job I never had any problems with Abbey either. Only when I got ill and been off work, now work part time and has a relatively low income that they become evil. My impression is that they only want to have 'premium' customers.

:grin: We shall see, says she.

I heard about them not charging people drawing our own money abroad. That's why I went with them. Now we have to see...

Lucky you, I don't think we have a A&L branch in sight anywhere.

, I would like that too! Hate talking to people whose has trouble understanding my request and wouldn't admit it, nor get things right for love or money !

Thanks for all your replies. I opened an account with Nationwide yesterday with online facilities. The staff keeps trying to get financial information off me in order to sell me mortgage, insurance and unit trust investments which alarmed me a fair bit (but hey, what else is new?). I wonder how much information we disclose to the bank are really necessary and on a 'need to know' basis!! They asked me why I want another bank account if I banked with CrAbbey for 20 years! On hearing that I want a separate account for all my DDs, SOs and cheque payments, she immediately said their charge is £30 each time if I get overdrawn without authorisation and what nots. Hah, what a presumptuous wretch. Now I have to tread very carefully, don't want to jump from a frying pan into the fire .

I know a parachute account is necessary before making a claim. However, given the trouble people are having with all these banks, isn't it a good idea to find out which bank is the least worst of all offenders? What is your vote?

Does anyone know how far back the Subject Access data/DPA extend? Would it contain the 'lifetime' information of a bank account, or just the past 6 years? Thanks.

I am a bit lost here with the incredible amount of posts, a bit overwhelmed - I was hoping to do a quick check in and out, and get all the essential information in a glance, obviously that cannot be done ! Still, I am glad this site is here and is helping 0000s of people. Thanks.