SOME WOULD-BE usurpers of Britain’s dominant banks think branches are old hat. Not Metro Bank. The nine-year-old lender has 66 so far, which it opens from 8am to 8pm, six days a week, and for six hours even on Sunday. So when a false rumour circulated on WhatsApp on May 11th that the bank was failing, no one who was inclined to panic had to wait until Monday. People queued at a branch in Harrow, west London, to empty their safe-deposit boxes—another Metro selling point—or just to find out what was going on. Metro isn’t collapsing. (Even if it were, the boxes’ contents would be unaffected and the government guarantees deposits of up to £85,000, or $108,000.) But it is having a miserable time. A little more than a year ago Metro’s shares were giddily priced, at over three times their book value. Most European banks do not even make par. They slid last year as markets made a more sober assessment of Metro’s growth prospects. Since late … [Read more...] about The troubles of Britain’s Metro Bank
Bank deals new account
Trump hungry for deal despite shady backdrop
Hungary’s Viktor Orbán visits the White House today, but Donald Trump will try to cut an arms deal with him, not promote democracy, say Anne-Marie Slaughter and Melissa Hooper.Today, US president, Donald Trump, will host Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, at the White House. According to some pundits, Trump will try to dissuade Hungary — ostensibly a US ally — from establishing deeper ties with China and Russia.Don’t hold your breath.Trump’s obsession, for domestic political consumption, with closing ‘deals’, combined with his admiration for autocrats, suggests that his focus will be finalising the sale of medium-range missiles and natural gas to Hungary.Even if the Trump administration does want to peel Hungary away from America’s geopolitical rivals, it is not evident that it has any plan for doing so.In February, US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, became the first cabinet-level US official to visit Budapest since 2011, … [Read more...] about Trump hungry for deal despite shady backdrop
Tot up your savings with these fantastic baby bargains for new mums – plus get free tickets for a day at the races
OH baby, there are some top bargains for new mums. Aldi has kicked off its huge annual tots event and several big stores are following suit. In fact, Harry and Meghan might want to take note of these savings . . . ASDA: The supermarket’s big baby sale includes a two-in-one high chair down from £18 to £12. And the store is currently running a two-for- £8 promotion on two-packs of MAM baby soothers, which cost £5 if bought individually. SAVING: £6 on high chair ALDI: There is a huge selection of items at its annual baby event, including its award-winning own-brand Mamia newborn nappies for 82p down from 88p — the cheapest I have seen yet. Pick up Aldi’s version of the popular Grobag sleep suit for just £9.99, compared to £35 in Boots for the real thing. I also like the two-pack of pastel-coloured blankets, which would make a great baby shower gift, for £5.99. SAVING: 6p on the nappies LIDL: Pick up branded items … [Read more...] about Tot up your savings with these fantastic baby bargains for new mums – plus get free tickets for a day at the races
200,000 Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds customers to get share of £6million after interest-payment blunder – are you owed cash
HUNDREDS of thousands of customers of Lloyds Banking Group could be due a share of around £6million after an interest payments blunder by the bank. The banking group, which is made up of Bank of Scotland, Halifax, and Lloyds Bank, wouldn't tell us how much people will get, only saying it will vary by customer. But a basic calculation indicates it could be around the £30 mark. The bank is stumping up the cash after an administrative error saw it fail to send just under 200,000 customers the relevant paperwork about their accounts dating back to 2012. In some instances this was terms and conditions, while in other cases the bank didn't notify users when introductory interest rates were about to drop. This meant some savers - with savings accounts or interest-paying current accounts - may have left their cash in low paying accounts when they may otherwise have moved their money elsewhere. How to complain about your bankIF you're unhappy with your bank, you first need to complain … [Read more...] about 200,000 Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds customers to get share of £6million after interest-payment blunder – are you owed cash
NatWest give you £175 FREE cash if you switch bank accounts
NATWEST has launched a brand new switching offer, giving customers £175 in cash for moving bank account. This is the largest cash bonus currently offered by UK banks, but you will have to meet some requirements before you get the money. In January this year, NatWest launched an offer giving new and existing customers £150, but the bonus expired around a month later. But now it's offering a larger £175. You'll get the initial £125 in August, and the rest - £50 - if you stay with the bank for at least a year. The new switching offer applies to those who request a switch to a NatWest Select, Reward, Reward Silver or Reward Platinum account by June 7. The Select Account comes with no monthly fees, while the Reward accounts have monthly fees ranging from £2 to £20. Be in control of your bills - and save up to £518SWITCHCRAFT is a free service that finds you the right energy deal - and you could save up to £518 a year. Sign up, compare and switch … [Read more...] about NatWest give you £175 FREE cash if you switch bank accounts