"What's your bank ever done for you?" Well, there were the aqueducts... wrong script…read more.. Having a Private banking account with Natwest has offered lots of benefits over the years. Lately it seemed costs were rising & benefits getting trimmed. I was beginning to question whether this was value for money. With the opening of the private lounge at the well-placed grand central branch, the benefits look much more attractive. It's truly a lovely space in which customers can have a coffee, do some business before they catch a train, or even stay for a couple of hours and do their work. It also has a small meeting room that seats around six people which you can book out. Well done NatWest! You had me at the espresso machine, but those tasty treats as well...

Perhaps it isn't as modern as many of the other branches on New Street (and trust me it's a lot)…read morebut this HSBC store, located right before the crossing where you can turn left for the Grand Central, or carry on across the road for the Apple Store heading towards Colmore Row, it still is a pretty decent branch consisting of probably the most banking machines (paying in/withdrawing money) I've seen in a bank. The store is pretty large and it does offer a good deal of basic facilities, while the emphasis on digital banking is low - but considering the amount of newer and more digital banks nearby that's ok. The opening hours of 9 am to 6 pm every-day, other than Tuesday's where they open half an hour later for training and Sunday's where obviously they don't open are also amongst the best in the area. The staff seemed friendly enough. While this HSBC store doesn't really do anything that makes me scream "Wow" and it isn't overly impressive, it merely does the job with a decent range of basic facilities in a good, central Birmingham location. 3*

Nice HSBC branch. Thepeople working there are always friendly even though they deal with a lot of…read morecustomers daily. There always seems to be a que when i go there but that's understandable.

Most definately the best branch of Natwest in Birmingham. Central to everything and everyone,…read moreclean, calm and organised. Of course you have to queue - it wouldn't be a bank otherwise! However you never have to wait too long here as you nearly always get served by friendly staff within 10 minutes at busy times and 5 minutes at off peak times, which as I'm sure most of you will know is pretty great for a bank. If you happen to be in the city centre and are in need of a Natwest then do visit this one!

I bank with the Cooperative Bank online and this is my local branch, even though I live about 35…read moremiles away. That said, I don't mind too much as it is such a nice little office, giving out all the right messages for a bank branch in the 'noughties'. It is small and unassuming, the staff are regular people with no big-shouldered suits and no attitude. They are helpful and friendly and have always managed to do whatever I have needed that couldn't be done online. I also like the water cooler - and the cup of tea they once made me while I waited for a withdrawal to be put together. If there is a complaint, it's that parking is a pain in the rear but that's not the bank's fault. 5 stars for a job well done.

Is the only bank machine around this area, but there's never too much of a queue. Situated close to…read morethe bars and slightly sheltered location.

Virgin Money on New Street replaces the B bank which previously was here, the bank has been…read morerebranded and modernised with the Virgin Money colour-scheme after Yorkshire Bank (owners of B) bought Virgin Money, taking their brand name. It is on New Street close to Odeon. This store is much better than the last one despite only showing minor differences, they now seem more willing to offer customers rather than just new-customers a hot drink, while they did seem a little understaffed; the staff that were working seemed helpful and the ATM's are faster than they were when I visited last which is good. The opening hours are pretty average, I do find them to shut far too early on a Saturday in general however at 4 pm, of course being closed on Sunday's too. Pretty decent and modern bank in the city centre, and probably one of my favourites in Birmingham too alongside Santander on Corporation Street nearby. 3*

Helpful staff, but tend to be long queues. Standard Credit Union type shops can send money abroad…read morehere.

Halifax is located down swan island it used to be at sankeys corner until they moved. I Have also…read morealways had accounts with the halifax and i find that the staff there are the best people i have ever experienced they are always willing to help and always make you feel welcome they really do a brilliant job. It can get very busy in the Halifax as with any other bank mainly the mornings here but there are a lot more staff there so you will be in and out in no time they all do a great job. Thanks