Just in nationwide newtownards and was assisted by a chap called Phil he was marvellous very…read morehelpful and very pleasant and friendly explained everything thoroughly and put me at ease I would definitely have no problem in recommending Phil. He should be the manager thanks again Eileen Courtney

Although Nationwide Building Society is now a large British Brand, it is branches like the one in…read moreNewtownards that help it maintain its large client base. This bank still believes in the personal touch and that is what keeps me coming back. When I began University I was offered all sorts of different student accounts, with some banks and building societies even willing to throw in sweeteners to seal the deal. But I stayed loyal to Nationwide, perhaps this was not the right choice as they did not offer a student account, but it was the customer service particularly at my local branch that helped me make the decision to stand firm. At the Newtownards branch the same staff seemed to have worked there forever and they are always sympathetic to your problems. This is what sets them apart from the rest.

The Nationwide has been operating in one form or another apparently as far back as 1846…read more Interesting fact... This particular branch of the UK building society is located fantastically at the very top of Bedford Street, looking onto the City Hall and the hustle and bustle of Belfast city life. The ideal location makes it one of the busier branches that I have visited and as a faithful member, I have frequented this branch a number of times. One particular time which sums up exactly what Nationwide is about was when I went in to get some information about a new credit card. I only wanted a leaflet which I could read on the bus home (it was pouring with rain and I didn't fancy walking) but the nice lady behind the magic screen told me of all of the benefits of various cards, what would best suit a student and what would best suit me. We spoke for nearly ten minutes and although I didn't sign up there and then, I did come out knowing a lot more than I did when I went in. That in itself is the best thing about Nationwide because they are customer friendly. They are not there to make a quick buck. They want to help you with your finances as best they can. Though the security man looked a bit suspicious of me. It could have been that it was closing time and he wanted me out into the rain... Never the less the staff are lovely and very helpful. It's all you can ask from a bank these days as no one has any money.

Weirdly I feel quite affectionate about Nationwide Building Society and especially this branch in…read morethe heart of Belfast. A stones throw away from City Hall it couldn't get any more convenient. Facilities include 2 manned kiosks with always friendly and helpful staff. They also have recently installed 2 ATM's within the building itself and a machine where you can lodge paychecks. Although I always prefer doing this the old fashioned way - besides you can't beat a bit of human interaction. One thing that might trip you up at this branch is the door. Yes, I said the door. They have installed a security door where you have to press a button to get in and out. This door bamboozled me on my first visit after they installed it and to be honest it still catches me out. This is a great branch - just watch out for that door - trust me you'll thank me for that tip!

I used to work for this bank, not this branch but upstairs in one of the other departments. I have…read moreworked in lots of branches so I like to think that I know what I'm talking about. I have been in this particular branch lots and lots of times and being the flasghip branch this is pretty impressive. It is clean, crisp has every amenity that Northern Bank can offer. The staff are top notch and they have excellent self service options, which can help you avoid the queues which, to be honest can be quite big. An excellent city centre bank branch.

Huge, modern refurb has made this a great bank. The cashier desks have multiplied making queue time…read moremuch shorter. The staff are friendly and helpful and the fast lodgements system is quick and keeps lodgers out of major queues. More efficient than most city centre banks.

I really can't complain about the First Trust...they've been pretty darn good as far as banks go…read more Only one complaint from me, but I'll get to that further into the review. I joined the First Trust as a student, as I had a) just gotten a part-time job and b) I was about to become a student (surprising, I know). Most of the bank's student accounts are pretty much the same - some sort of incentive to join, a large, interest-free overdraft, a debit and / or credit card - but for some reason I chose the First Trust. Think it was some competition to have your fees paid. But who knows. The First Trust were helpful and pleasant, dealing with my request immediately. The account was open in no time, and I got my bank card and debit card a few days later. Not once did I have a problem with them the entire time I was at university, and actually I was so satisfied with their service that I decided to opt for their credit card. Ar 12.9% APR, it was one of the lowest interest rates on the market. I called into the Ards branch, and was referred to Gary, who answered all my questions and offered me an appointment to get things going. I was back a couple of days later, and after a half an hour appointment, I was the proud owner of a new credit card. Shops, watch out! My only issue with the First Trust has been since I graduated, as they promised me a letter / some form of contact regarding my student account. I was told that I would hear from them as soon as I graduated, but it has been a month, and there hasn't been a thing. This did disappoint me, and I have since opened a new account elsewhere. However, the First Trust were always amiable and helpful when I had any problems, and they sorted me out with everything I needed. Great experience...not quite 'First' class mind you.

I think it is an absolute joke that in order to make a new payment transfer I need to wait 3-5…read morebusiness days in order to receive a card in order to make the transaction! No bank I know does it that way, it is a joke and if I knew that's how they done things I would not be with them. When I rang the bank to see if I could do it through them they said I would have to wait until the card comes through! Thanks to them I am now minus in my other bank account! Do yourself a favour and go to a bank that operates in the 20th century!