This branch of Natwest is situated in the main Christchurch high street and has wheel chair and…read morepushchairs access via the back entrance, steps at the front. It is quite a large place and you do not feel that you are crowded in whilst queuing or over heard whilst at the counter. There are 4 payment tills but usually only 2 are open, they usually work quickly so the wait never seems to be too long. There is an inquiry desk as well so this helps to keep queues down at the tills. If you need to speak privately to someone they have several offices available for this. I have found them to be very helpful as I am very hard of hearing and they have made a couple of phone calls for me to their head office which I am unable to make.

Arguably, Barclays are the best British bank and my account is there. I once worked for them at the…read moreheadquarters. I find them always friendly and helpful, and some employees can recognise my account number as a Staff number and it's gone in my favour once or twice! Interestingly, Barclays are beginning to recover from the 'credit crunch', so obviously I taught them something! The hole in the wall is free.

This branch is in the Southbourne's main shopping area and has very easy access for everyone, steps…read moreone way and a gentle slope the other. There are three counters which are open in the busiest times, one of them is low down enabling someone in a wheel chair to be able to do their own banking with ease and they are very helpful and polite. If you need to make an appointment to see a financial adviser then this is easily done by asking at the counter, but you are also able to just walk in and see someone if they are not already busy. They offer friendly and helpful advise but do not push you into making a decision you are not ready to make.

A small branch of Barclays…read more It has an ATM and you can cash cheques, pay money into your account or make withdrawals. However there are some services that you cannot use here, such as altering details on or of your account. This branch is handy for the surrounding businesses, and has parking. I often stop to use the cash dispenser.

Nice open plan branch of Lloyds TSB in Shirley, located about halfway up Shirley High St. No real…read moreideal parking for the branch, you would have to get round the back of the High St. Usually fairly busy when I've visited, they have several counters and some private desks as well as a greeter desk at the front of the branch for enquiries. I used this when I was setting up my account, and as well as being professional they were very knowledgeable about the products offering me accounts that might be more suitable to my needs, without pressuring me. There is also a cashpoint on the outside of the branch.

Lloyds bank in Southbourne is quite large and has easy access for wheel chairs, pushchairs and the…read moreelderly, with an electronic door and slope. It has four counters, off which 3 are usually open in the mornings, 2 at lunchtimes and afternoons. There are big pillars between the queue and the counters which can interfere with your view of when its your turn, but also give more privacy to the current customer. There is a large counter for inquiries, which is usually maned, and if the queue is long someone will come and stamp your paying-in book for cheques to save you waiting. I have found the staff to be polite, cheerful and helpful, and even though they process the payments while you wait, they are quick.

This is a credit union run by volunteers…read more It costs £3 to join and £1 opens your account. There are three branches - Parkstone, Bournemouth and Christchurch. Interest is paid at 1.5 percent per month, apr 19%. Yes folks! I am looking forward to doing some work with them from April as a budget coach - er no, not a bus! At present it is much safer to save money in Credit Unions as the base rate with banks is so low. Older people can benefit greatly as well as others on a low income.

Poole town centre location opposite Dolphin centre and The George Hotel. Also by Poole Railway…read morestation. Large office building full of Banking departments.