What Banks are Available in Exeter?
If you're living in or planning to move to Exeter, you’re going to need to find a bank that meets your needs. Opening an account is essential as it allows you to receive payments such as a salary, and you’ll also be able to pay for items either by bank transfer or by using a card attached to your account.
Exeter is home to a variety of high street banks, offering everything from personal banking services to business accounts. As you read on, we’re going to guide you through the major banks available in the city, how you can make payments, and tips on choosing the right one for your needs.
High Street Banks in Exeter
Despite many other UK towns and cities experiencing branch closures of late, Exeter is still well-served by a selection of the biggest names on the high street. Many of them have been established in the UK for years, offering a full range of banking services to meet a variety of needs.
Here’s a look at some of the major banks you'll find right in the city centre of Exeter:
- Barclays: One of the biggest institutions in the UK, with a range of both personal and business services available. They offer different accounts to suit different preferences.
- NatWest: You’ll find that NatWest provides a wide range of options, including current accounts, savings accounts, credit cards and more.
- HSBC: HSBC is a global name with a solid presence in Exeter, offering personal banking services, international banking, and wealth management.
- Lloyds: Lloyds offers a comprehensive range of personal and business banking services, alongside mortgages, loans, and insurance products.
- Halifax: A slightly smaller British institution offering services like personal and business accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment advice.
- Santander: A smaller but popular choice for both personal and business banking, known over the years for offering features such as cashback and good interest rates.
How to Make Payments with a Bank
Sending money via your bank has never been easier than it is today. While it's still possible to visit a branch in Exeter and set up transactions in person, most people prefer to use online banking for its speed and convenience.
All banks have secure apps and websites that you can quickly log in to and facilitate transactions. Once a payment has been confirmed, the money is transferred to the recipient’s account and cleared immediately.
Of course, this way of banking is essential for those who need to make payments instantly. A good example is casino players who need access to their funds straight away. When playing at a casino with bank transfer, the player can send the money in just a few seconds to start gaming without any delay.
On the other hand, you may need to visit a branch in person in certain circumstances, such as if you want to conduct an international payment. Some people also just prefer to speak to an actual teller. But there’s no doubt that going online is the present and future of banking transactions in the UK.
How to Choose a Bank in Exeter
As pretty much everything can be done online these days, choosing the right bank in Exeter is no longer a case of checking which branches are on the high street. Most people can easily conduct everything from their phone or computer, so it’s more about comparing the features to see who’s offering the best deal.
Here are a few examples of what to look for:
- Interest Rates and Fees: Banks vary widely in the interest rates they offer on savings accounts and the fees they charge for services like overdrafts and international transfers. You can compare current accounts and other products to help maximise your savings and minimise costs.
- Customer Support: In case you run into any issues, it’s best to look for a bank that provides reliable customer service options. Live chat is very popular as you can speak to an agent in real time, but a UK freephone number is also welcome so you don’t need to spend any of your own money getting in touch. Needless to say, the responses you get from the support need to be useful. Popular review sites can be useful for gauging this.
- Additional Features: Some banks offer extra perks, such as cashback on purchases, rewards programs, or access to exclusive financial products. Consider what features are most important to you and how they align with your financial goals before making a decision.
Conclusion
While Exeter offers a range of high street banks with physical branches, the shift towards online banking means that your choice should be guided by the services and features that best meet your needs, rather than just the convenience of location.
By considering your habits and financial goals, you can choose the right bank to help you manage your money most effectively.