| Been with HSBC for years now and have to say that I couldn't be happier with them - mainly because I am on the Premier programme.
I did two things to get the privileged "Premier Customer" status.
1) I kept my account in Camden even though Canary Wharf is my closest branch. There are more millionaires working in CW than anywhere else in the country and I would be just another of the great unwashed if I moved my account to there. Because most of the customers in Camden are students, they treat me like a big fish.
2) I have my mortgage with them. You get Premier status if either your income or your mortgage is over a certain amount (before you ask, no I don't meet the income requirement). It's not a reason to switch your mortgage but they were offering a good deal anyway.
How good are they? As an example, we were in New York and needed $5,000 in brand new unmarked $100 dollar bills (long story, don't ask). I put a call into my branch manager's mobile and it was sorted in 2 hours.
I don't know the specifics but I'm sure most banks have similar programmes. The trick is working out how to get into them....  |