Now that our finances have become more and more complicated with debit cards, loans and mortgages, we are less likely to move banks. The sheer effort it takes in getting the information and paperwork completed when moving banks, makes it a major headache.

It is true that most banks have to offer comparable services in order to encourage new customers and raise their game to keep their existing ones. The fact is that banks hope to secure us as customers as soon as they can and once we are a customer, we are not keen to decamp to a rival.

Having built up a good credit history will indeed increase your chances of securing a bank loan and an increase in our overdraft limit. Most high street banks will have a junior savers account which it hopes, will encourage the youngster to carry on using their bank once they are in a position to work and to apply for their first mortgage and it does work with most people remaining with the bank the feel most comfortable with, that is until they charge you for going overdrawn!.

With so much competition and such a lot at stake banks need to keep their customers satisfied and one way of doing this is with the best possible interest rates. Offering a higher rate of interest on savings accounts is a great way for banks to stand out from the rest and even the most unadventurous savers will swap banks if they have a larger sum to invest.

Internet banking has become increasingly popular with those of us who do not live close to a bank or who prefer to move their money around from the comfort of their armchair. The installation of cash machines in shops and othe buildings has become a life saver for people who need access to funds during out of hours or who would prefer not to queue. In reponse to complaints regarding call centres and the lack of a more personal approach to their customers diverse needs, many banks are reverting to their local branches for customer services and telephone advice.