Pros: good rates, good staff
Cons: none

Recommend to potential buyers: yes

Full review
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The BOS is one of the best banks that I have ever used, it is extremely convenient for me and combines features and high interest rates.

I combine two accounts, one low interest rate account with a debit card for spending money, and one high interest account for keeping large amounts of money for gain. It is simple to move money between these accounts both at the branch, over the telephone and using Internet HOBS (home and office banking service), the website that allows registered users to do everything they do for you in the branch except for paying in and withdrawing money!

HOBS is really the BoS’s killer app, it is what sets them apart from every other bank with similar interest rates and service. All you need to do to use HOBS is go to their website, print off a registration form and then send it. Within a few days you will be given a username and then you phone for a password. After this you are free to change your username and password.

With HOBS you can view your balance, check money transfers, move money between accounts in real time and much more. This is all very fast and you can see changes immediately without going to your branch. However, this doesn’t allow you to do anything with cash or cheques, so for this you still need your local branch.

I haven’t really been with a huge number of banks, however, form what I’ve seen, the BoS service is pretty fast and efficient. They are always willing to help you with whatever you need. However, in my local branch they prefer you to use the envelope pay in, and the manageress gets into arguments with loyal customers about why they are foolish not to use this great service.

However, I can’t complain about the staff once you get to the tables, they are friendly and helpful, and don’t seem hellbent on keeping the turnover of customers high, they just help. The cash machines are pretty, good, just as you might expect – cash, PIN changes, chequebook order etc.

If you want a good bank with high interest rates and a friendly service then you could do much worse than choose the Bank of Scotland, and even if you don’t have a nearby branch it is a good choice in conjunction with HOBS and your flexible friend (magnetic card)