Frances Heaton's reviews - Smart Money People

Professional, efficient and competitive!

4

They quoted a competitive price, documents soon received in post. All details clear and straightforward, could add further items to insurance if required. Received a discount as we already hold a motor insurance policy with them. Recommended. Reviewed on: 6th July 2019

Best rate easy access

4

We had a matured fixed-rate account with BM, but rates offered for new fixed-rate accounts were derisory. They were offering easy-access account at 1.3%, but this was online. and I felt uncomfortable having a large sum of money online in an easy access account. However, when phoning them they said we could have the same rates for the same account, accessing through the post. We have decided to do this, and when/if interest rates increase we will be able to review. Reviewed on: 8th November 2017

Competitive pricing, friendly assistance

5

Having received a renewal notice from our previous home insurance company which was going to cost £100 more than previous year, we decided to ask for a quote from Liverpool Victoria. The Freephone line was answered quickly by a friendly, helpful assistant. She advised me of various options and extras, clearly explaining advantages and costs. There was no pressure, just clear and helpful advice. I didn't have to go into great detail regarding how near to property trees were planted, etc, and was given a quotation for comprehensive cover which was much cheaper than we had paid last year. We decided to accept the quotation as we were very pleased with the price and cover. I would recommend. Reviewed on: 4th July 2017

Fixed Rate Savings at Competitive Interest rates.

4

My husband and I have held fixed-rate savings accounts with BM, quite simply because their accounts are simple to set up and use, and their interest rates are usually competitive. We currently hold a 2 year fixed-rate account, earing 2.10%, which at the time of opening was one of the best interest rates available. Paperwork is sent through the post with statements informing you of interest added, and customers are advised in plenty of time when the account is nearing maturity. You are also given several options to choose a new fixed rate account, withdraw a cheque, or other options. Very simple and straightforward; the only downside to the account is that online facilities don't seem to be available, making it impossible to check the account throughout the term. Overall recommended, good solid and competitive account. Reviewed on: 24th December 2016

Competitive account - great interest rate, but for only 1 year!

4

To open this account you need to be a Nationwide customer. The account is easy to set up using online banking, and best of all, pays an unbelievable interest rate of 5% per annum. You are allowed to pay in up to a maximum of £500 per month, and the downside is that the account matures at 12 months! With most accounts these days paying a derisory low amount (less than 1%), I considered it worth starting the Nationwide Regular Saver and collecting a good rate of interest, although on a small amount of money, and short length of time! I would recommend the account, and hope that Nationwide can offer a competitive account when this account matures. Reviewed on: 24th December 2016

Competitive and Straightforward insurance.

3

Straightforward insurance with competitive prices, several features included as standard rather than extras. However, even with no claims, prices increase yearly; if you do phone them they will occasionally deduct some of the increase. I dislike the fact that, unless you are pro-active and inform them that you are not renewing the policy the fee will be taken automatically. And this is by a company by a name you don't necessarily recognise. To sum up - good inclusive insurance, but loyalty seems to count for little. Reviewed on: 12th August 2016

Car Insurance Reviewer

5

Our car was hit by another driver when parked, luckily witnessed by someone who left details. This helped our claim with Liverpool Victoria, who speedily organised car repair and collection from home. As the hit and run was witnessed, we did not lose our insurance excess. LV dealt with everything professionally and efficiently, and made everything easy. The only problems were trying to take various 'intricate' photos of different areas of car, eg damaged area, engine chassis number etc. and emailing to them. I would highly recommend Liverpool Victoria. Reviewed on: 19th July 2016

Home Insurance Reviewer

3

Competitive prices, but prices tend to increase yearly, even though no claims. They automatically renew your policy each year, unless you are pro-active telling them not to. The direct debit is taken by a third-party company, customers receive email from them, and it can be difficult to know what the payment is for. Would prefer insurance policy where you choose to renew, and not the insurance company. Reviewed on: 7th July 2016

Credit card accepted everywhere

4

We have had the Nationwide Select Credit card for a number of years ad never experienced any problems using online or instore. The interest charged for this card is a reasonable 15.9% if you have a Nationwide current account, as we have. Also, the interest rate can be avoided completely if you pay the outstanding amount in full, as we do. Cashback is 0.5% when spending on this card, and there are more attractive rates of cashback offered by other banks and building societies. However, I like to have a credit card with my main building society, and the Select credit card is easy to use, with a credit limit suitable for our needs. The card also gives access to various rewards offered by Nationwide, as there rarely seems anything we need. For a simple and easy to use credit card, I would recommend the Select. Reviewed on: 6th May 2016

Nationwide Visa Credit Card accepted everywhere

4

I would recommend Nationwide Visa credit card. When spending on the credit card, I always pay the balance before it is due. That way there is never any interest charged. If you decide to wait until the payment is due, interest rates are 17.9%, which is quite competitive compared to other banks and building societies. We have a Nationwide flex current account, and payments into the credit card can easily be done through the online banking system. We have a reasonable credit limit, more than enough for our needs, and have never had any problems using the card. Reviewed on: 21st April 2016

Great interest rate for a limited time.

4

Nationwide Flex Direct current account gives a fabulous interest rate of 5% gross for the first 12 months, reverting to 1% interest after this period ends. To gain these rates you have to pay into the account at least £1000 per month. We decided to switch our ordinary Nationwide Flexclusive current account in order to receive this higher interest rate. The switch went smoothly, with no problems whatsoever, and we received the advertised rate on account balance up to £2500. Unfortunately the higher rate is reduced after one year, and customers receive the lesser APR of 1% interest. I would recommend this account - even though the higher rate is available for only one year, customers receive 1% following this. Previously we had been receiving no interest whatsoever on our current account. However, for those willing to keep switching current account deals with different banks, there are much better interest rates on offer. Reviewed on: 28th March 2016

Helpful when needed

5

We have had our car insured with LV for three years now. Although comparing price of policy when the insurance is due for renewal, LV will usually match prices, keeping hem competitive. Unfortunately, this year, a small accident occurred to our car while it was parked. LV couldn't have been more helpful. They contacted repair services, organised repairs, courtesy car etc. And because there had been a witness to the accident, we did not have to pay the excess charge. LV behaved exactly as you would hope an insurance company would under these circumstances, and I couldn't rate them more highly. Reviewed on: 28th March 2016

CheekyCharges Campaigner

5

Have never been charged an admin fee with LV - no #cheekycharges. Reviewed on: 10th March 2016

Competitive prices and helpful when needed

4

We were already covered for car insurance with LV and their renewal had increased even though there had been no claims during the year. We compared prices and got back to LV who agreed to drop renewal price, and we therefore purchased. Why does insurance companies not offer their lowest price upfront, rather than charging as much as they think they can get away with. There is no loyalty to existing customers. However, if fairness, we did have a claim the following year, not our fault, and LV couldn't have been more helpful. Have therefore awarded good marks for this insurer. Reviewed on: 10th March 2016

Virgin 2-year fixed rate ISA

5

Earlier this year I filled in an application form for Virgin Money to transfer my ISA funds from another provider. Virgin Money were offering a more competitive rate for a 2-year fixed rate bond. An appointment was set up at a local branch, and I was helped by a very professional and helpful assistant. She helped me to fill in the forms, explaining each step, and couldn't have been more helpful. The funds were quickly transferred from the previous company, and the paperwork and fund certificate sent to me in the post. The whole process was made incredibly easy largely due to the assistant at Virgin, and I would recommend their service. A positive experience - and I am hoping that when the bond matures, Virgin will still be offering competitive rates. Reviewed on: 24th December 2015

3 Year fixed-term Pensioners' Bonds

5

During January this year, the government offered pensioners the chance to buy fixed-terms bonds, offering competitive rates. My husband and I opted to invest in a 3 year joint account, offering a very competitive 4% interest rate. More than double the amount of interest than could be found anywhere else! The account was quite easy to set up, we sent the application form through the post, along with cheque. There was also the option to sign up online, however due to the overwhelming response to this attractive offer, the website tended to crash making it almost impossible to carry out the transaction. We like this account as the interest rate is still highly competitive, and will remain so for at least the fixed term of 3 years. However, when the account matures, it is difficult to know whether NS&I will have any more accounts offering competitive rates, or whether the funds will need to be transferred elsewhere. The account is also covered completely by the government if something goes wrong. The only downside that I can see is that NS&I don't appear to be offering competitive rates on their other fixed rate bonds. Reviewed on: 24th December 2015

Spending with Cashback!

5

Great credit card which gives cashback on spending. No interest to pay when you pay the balance each month. Easily transfer payment through Nationwide's excellent online banking system. Recommended. Reviewed on: 21st November 2015

Great interest while it lasts!

3

Saving interest rates are poor these days, and when my ISA matured, after checking comparison sites found that Yorkshire Building Society were offering the best interest rate at that time - a market leading 2% per annum! I made an appointment at the branch office and the adviser couldn't have been more helpful. She arranged the transfer from my old ISA account, all the paperwork went through satisfactorily and the documents arrived in good time. The ISA fixed-rate bond matured at 18 months, but I was extremely disappointed to see that the YBS were only prepared to offer derisory interest rates of 1.2% for a new 1-year bond, or 1.3% for 2 years. The Bank of England rate hasn't changed within the time that I have held this account, and I couldn't understand why the building society were offering such poor rates on maturity of bonds. Were they hoping that customers would accept their poor offer and lose out on a better rate? It seemed mean to me! I have (again) checked comparison rates, and am in the process of transferring the ISA account to a financial institution which values their customers. My husband will also do the same when his YBS ISA matures shortly. Because of Yorkshire Building Society's lack of loyalty to customers, they are going to lose out on a considerably amount of money! I advise customers to vote with their feet! Reviewed on: 9th August 2015

Excellent service and interest rate.

4

I was informed by Nationwide about their new Flex Direct current account, and decided to switch from our standard Nationwide Flex current account. The interest rate of 5% is available for one year, and after this reverts to 1%, compared to the current account which we already had, which gives no interest. To receive these rates customer have to pay into the account at least £1000 per month. There is no monthly charge for having this account, unlike some other financial institutions who charge for the privilege! The switch went through very quickly with no problems, and the account is available to view through Nationwide online banking. Transfers can be made, direct debits and all aspects of banking can be carried out online. Nationwide's online banking system is second to none. Customers are also entitled to a contacts banking card. One minor problem was that when we had a cheque to pay in at the branch, Flex Direct customers are expected to do this through Nationwide's terminal in branch, rather than hand to an assistant along with your bank card. However, someone showed us how to use and it proved quite easy. We have held this account more than a year now and the interest rate has reverted to 1%, which is less than some other banks are offering at present, for example, Santander's 123 account, which offers 3%. However, we are happy with the account and pleased that we are receiving interest on our every day transactions. Reviewed on: 9th August 2015