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.

good ethical bank friendly staff at this branchread more

Natwest is a great bank as a student they always have the best deals and this one is no exception…read more If you need a bank to do any financial banking then this one has 3 cashier desks and a personal manager to help with advice, they are particularly helpful more so than other banks I have been to. The nearest ATM machine is outside and around the corner opposite the pub on the wall. This a smaller bank so expect to queue and avoid at busy periods such as lunch time.

We use this branch a couple of times a month, mainly for paying into our personal account. Queues…read moreare always long at lunchtime. Staff are polite and efficient, but occasionally a bit automated when asking if there is anything else they can help you with. They have a cash machine that dispenses £5 notes, which is very handy.

I have used the hole in the wall and put money into my account at this branch and found it very…read moregood. The cash point has been fulling working everytime I have tried to use it. Inside the branch is light bright and clean. There was plenty of staff availble to deal with my enquires and the quenue moved very quickly when i needed to put in a cheque. All the staff were in there correct uniform which made them easy to undentify and they were all well mannered and helpful.

If you've been a student, you'll know the fear and loathing felt when checking your bank statement…read more But this branch of Lloyds TSB has some of the most efficient and helpful staff I've ever met in a bank. They take the time to listen, offer great advise and don't go for 'the hard sell' when you loosely ask about opening a savings account. It genuinely seems that your needs come first - which makes a welcome change! This branch rarely has queues, which makes it a great place to pop in a cheque on your lunch hour. They also have in-store cash machines, deposit machines and a separate help-desk if you need some one-to-one advise. They also have trays of free Murray Mints on the desk which I think is sweet touch (see what I did there?)