2012 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Confidence improves - more approved for credit

37% applied for credit this year, up 16% on last year, and 71% were approved, compared to 68%.  75% of respondents say their finances are the same or better than last year. 

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

First Direct is also the top rated credit card provider once again, but as the graphic shows, consumers are still sticking with their old cards.

To see a PDF of the full 2012 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 12th December 2012.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2011 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Getting credit becomes easier

21% of those surveyed have applied for credit in the last year and 68% have got it - up 10% on last year - contrary to popular opinion. 

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

First Direct is also the top rated credit card provider.

To see a PDF of the full 2011 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 16th December 2011.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2010 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Consumers realistic in recessionary times

Two-thirds of respondents say that the recession has made them far more aware of the importance of a good credit rating.  8% think we will  need a miracle to get bank lending on track.

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

Co-operative Bank is the top rated credit card.

To see a PDF of the full 2010 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 1st October 2010.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2009 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Customer service levels slip for first time in 5 years

Only 55% rate the service from their bank as very good or excellent this year, compared to 62% last year, the lowest level of satisfaction recorded for 5 years, reflecting the unpopularity of banks at the current time.

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

American Express is the top rated credit card.

To see a PDF of the full 2009 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 12st May 2009.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2008 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Consumer habits damage credit ratings

The habits of one in three credit card holders in taking cash advances on their credit cards, or by paying the minimum amount, are endangering credit ratings, our survey says.

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

American Express is the top rated credit card.

To see a PDF of the full 2008 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 1st October 2008.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2007 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Searching for the best credit deal

The most important factor for most consumers when searching for new credit is to be reasonably certain of having the best possible chance of success, our survey says.

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service once again.

Nationwide is the top rated credit card.

To see a PDF of the full 2007 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 20th December 2007.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2006 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Bearing a grudge against an old bank

Half of those surveyed would not recommend a bank or credit card company to a friend because of previous experiences.  The number of consumers using the internet to access bank details increases to 75%.

Smile is the top rated bank for customer service this year.

First Direct is the top rated credit card.

To see a PDF of the full 2006 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 1st June 2006.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.

2005 BANKING AND CREDIT CARD SURVEY

Bank still the first choice for loan finance

49% of those surveyed said that their bank is the first choice for any loan requirement they might have - the same percentage has stayed loyal to their bank for 11 years or more.

First Direct is the top rated bank for customer service this year.

First Direct is also the top rated credit card provider.

To see a PDF of the full 2005 survey, click here

This analysis was published on 1st November 2005.

To tell us about your own experiences for our 2013 survey, please click here.