In search of 'good customer service'

Banks. Don't you just love them?

Recent research by Defaqto, the financial research company, has found that bank account holders rate “good customer service” as the most important feature in a current account. This feature came ahead of 'free when in enough credit' and 'a good interest rate'.

My own experience with high street banks over recent years has been mixed, at best. I changed banks for the first time when I was in my teens, simply because they refused my request for a debit card. I have been with my new bank ever since and sometimes they offer a reasonable level of service. On other occasions they have done things so terrible that I have come very close to upping sticks and moving to another bank.

The only reason I haven't moved to another bank (yet) is that I am not convinced that my banking experience would be any better elsewhere. It's a sorry state of affairs when all high street banks offer a poor standard of perceived customer service. If consumers are crying out for this as the most important factor when selecting a bank account then surely banks should be paying more attention to the design and delivery of excellent customer service?

What is your experience of customer service when it comes to your bank?