This is a very small branch of Lloyds TSB in Canton, which is often mistaken for its larger sister…read morebank down the road. When they answer the phone there they quickly double check that it's really the Canton branch you want, because they have so any calls for the other one. I often go into this bank, and have been with them for many, many years. This is that bank that I have always dealt with for any major changes to my accounts and life situations. Because it's so small, it also seems intimate and friendly, especially when compared to many of the bigger banks in town. A friend of mine recently came over from New Zealand and commented that British banks are big and serious and scary. Which is completely true! In New Zealand you get to sit down, have a chat and listen to ABBA. Fortunately, nice little banks like this one in Canton exist here too. Having literally just come off the phone with them, they were exceptionally helpful and polite; providing a more personable service than we might be used to over the phone.

Great company. Really helpful when we arranged our mortgage. They went out of their way to get us…read morethe best deal. Very friendly and accomodating. Kept in touch with us throughout what can be a very stressful time. I went direct to a bank for my previous mortgage and it was a terrible experience. Would advise anyone getting mortgage to go to mortgage solutions as they could save you money and a lot of stress.

As a self-employed first time buyer getting assistance with the mortgage application process was…read moreone of the best decisions we made. Would definitely recommend

i feel complied to give this bank a review. Obviously its a super bank and most are familiar with…read moreit so i'm not going to bore the pants off you and explain about their saving accounts or mortgage deals. No, i just want to mention how incredibly friendly and helpful the staff are at this branch. Obviously, like every human being with a bank account i've got my beef with banks, the charges, the fact its not 24 hours, the queues and those stupid microphone things that everyone can hear you asking whether you have more than 50p in your account. But this particular branch is super relaxed, super friendly and in general a fantastically run establishment. Now, i don't like to mention any names (*cough*Natwest*across the road*cough*) but the bitch behind the counter made me weep, like a proper girl in there once so i immediately closed the account marched the ten or eleven paces to Lloyds where they gave me a cup of tea and a tissue, i have never looked back since!

It was that time of the year again…read more That period where all my funds had dried up. Any money I'd managed to gather and save had been sucked away on the triple threat of rent, bills and take away pizzas and I was left nigh-on penniless. The bar was paying me enough to eat every week, but that was if I didn't have bills to pay. With a great heaving sigh, I cracked open my money box and spent an hour counting those sad coppers to see what kind of life expectancy I had. £17. That was how much my life would have to cost to maintain until money came flooding at me. £17 in pennies and 2ps, bagged up in money bags and thrown in my satchel causing it to weight at least 40lbs. I shambled up to the Co-operative till and deposited my 17 baggies on the counter: "Can I change these into real monies, please? I'm so hungry," I managed to croak out through cracked, dry lips. "Of course sir," the teller said, her voice ringing with hope. "Can I see your debit card?" "Oh, I'm not actually with this bank. I just want it converted into something I can actually spend. Like that money you have not half a foot away from your wrist" I calmly explained. "Sorry. We don't offer that service. You must be a client of the bank. Company policy," she said, her lovely tones collapsing into a bitter rasp when she realised I was an outsider. Dejectedly, I left. I went to Halifax across the road and they happily did it despite me not being a customer of theirs. In conclusion, screw you Co-operative Bank. My satchel was really freaking heavy.

This is my bank! But not in the same way that Terry's Chocolate Orange's belong to Dawn French! I…read moreshare it with everyone else! Which is essentially what the Co-op is about! Way, way back in my dim and distant past I had my Uni placement with these guys in Manchester, which funnily enough, is where their Head Office is! I learned all about their membership scheme and the leading edge developments that they were responsible for where environmental and Fair Trade issues were concerned. These things are not surprising seeing as the basic premise for this business was to provide affordable products and services for the less well off in society, and to allow them to share in the profits! The Co-op are amazing. I have banked with them for years! Their bank rates are more more equitable than other banks, and they are lenient when we fall foul of our commitment to them, (making a late payment, or accidentally going overdrawn etc... A quick phone call to explain is usually enough to remedy an error!). Five stars is just not enough for these guys... so here's a few more...

I have used Allen Financial Services several times over the last 10-years to find mortgage and…read morere-mortgage deals for my residential and rental properties. I have always found them very responsive, professional and knowledgeable, and the overall quality of service has been head and shoulders above other brokers/financial advisers that I have used previously. Highly recommended.

Allen Financial Services recently helped us remortgage our home and also apply for a buy to let…read moremortgage for our second property. They provided informative advice in the comfort of our own home, were very patient and found us an excellent deal. I highly recommend their services for residential mortgages because the best part is that they do not charge a broker fee!

I have been banking for HSBC for 25 years, since it was previously Midland Bank. I have received a…read moregood service form them. The staff in the Cwmbran Branch have always been friendly and approachable. It is not difficult to make an appointment to see someone, and I haven't had anything to complain about. The only bad thing is that there is a fee if I want to reduce my overdraft, which I find a bit strange. They do try and sell to you from time to time, but this can also highlight better products for you. In general, a good bank to be with.

One of these new redeveloped banking outlets aimed at mostly a selfservice customer. You pay…read morecheques in through a machine, have termainals to access internet banking etc. There are usually staff around to help out if you get stuck, and they do have the usual consultancy area out the back if you need to talk to your friendly bank manager about anything.

This is the local branch of Halifax plc in Neath. It used to be a building society, but now it has…read morebank status - not sure what difference it makes for us customers though! I've held accounts at this branch for a very long time - I hate to think of where the years have gone! It's always been a friendly and efficient branch to deal with. As with most banks, you'll need to make an appointment to deal with some issues, but they can normally fit you in the same day. I've had a couple of problems with them over the years, and have thought of closing all my accounts before now. However, they normally manage to sort things out in the least painful way!