First Direct

A pioneering voice recognition security system introduced by First Direct is failing to recognise some account-holders, with a number of customers left furious after being wrongly locked out of their accounts.

The three market-leading regular savings accounts are cutting their interest rates from 6% to 5% for new account-holders - but if you've a current account with HSBC or First Direct, open a regular saver TODAY and you can still lock in 6% for a year.

Mortgage lenders that have not yet passed on Bank of England (BoE) base rate savings to their customers could attract the attention of the regulator as it carries out a study into mortgage competition.

HSBC has fallen into last place in our latest banking poll with just 38% of its current account customers rating it 'great' for customer service, while First Direct has extended its six-year reign at the top of the table with 91% giving it the thumbs up.

If you're a First Direct customer you'll soon be able to access your account details without having to give a password, thanks to new voice recognition technology the bank's bringing in – but if you're not comfortable with the new 'biometric banking' system you can opt out.

MoneySavers who've racked up £100s by repeatedly switching banks have battled it out for the title of Britain's biggest bank tart – with one couple sharing a whopping £1,565 and another switcher making £845 in the first three months of 2016 alone.

A MoneySaver who made the most of banks' hefty switching incentives has told how he netted almost £800 in free cash and vouchers after opening six bank accounts in just over two years. Are you a bigger bank tart – and how do you do it to avoid the pitfalls?

First Direct’s current account customers have once again voted its service the nation's best. More than 90% rated it as 'great' as it comfortably held on to top spot in our latest banking poll.

If you bank with Barclays and pay to get insurance 'extras' – for example via its Barclays Additions account – you should urgently check if you've activated these; otherwise you won't be covered if something goes wrong.