How long to open a bank account?

[Sheila]

Any advance on 2 hours?
We went into Millennium BCP in Lagoa equipped with the necessary documents.
After being kept standing at the counter for 3/4 hour we were told the computer was malfunctioning and could we come back tomorrow. Despite the fact that there were cubicles with desks and seats we were not invited to sit down.
We left all the necessary information including parents full names and returned the next day expecting everything to be concluded.
No such luck!
We were again kept standing at the counter for another 11/4 hours, signing numerous forms, waiting while several phone calls were made to computer support and while the cashier attended to others customers behind us in the queue. Occasionally someone from the cubicles would pluck someone from the queue behind us and take them to sit down to be served but we were expected to stand throughout.
Not what I call service!
We would have given up and gone somewhere else if it hadn't been for the thought that we might have to go through the same thing at another branch.
Originally we were told it would cost 6euros a month waived for the first 3 months but at the end she said we should instead opt for paying 8 euros a month for the benefit of added perks including free debit cards and insurance. I dread to think how difficult it would be to claim on any insurance! We tried to refuse but she didn't seem to take any notice. She said we could cancel it at any time but I can't see where you can do this online. Debit cards are in any case free for the first year.
We picked Millennium because they have English internet banking but can't help thinking we may have made a mistake.

[steve]

I would not open an account at a bank which treated me like that. We use BPI and Barclays. Both have internet banking in English. I find BPI works out cheaper.

[laserblazer]

Can't fault Barclays. It was a shame they closed the Carvoeiro branch but Lagoa is nice and handy with plenty of parking.

[Mike Burton]

Barclays in Lagoa have been great over the last seven years, always helpful and courteous

[Farol]

I use Banif - originally in Portimao but now they have a sub-branch in Ferragudo. Always seem very friendly and very efficient. Their internet banking supports both Portuguese and English.

I used to have a Millennium account as well but cancelled it.

Although you had a poor experience opening the account now you have it I suppose it's a matter of how much personal contact you need or expect with them. Yes you need a debit card to make full use of Multibanco. Yes you need internet banking that you can understand. Yes you need a counter service to pay in cash (if applicable). Yes you need a counter service to set up direct debits. Beyond that on a day to day basis most people probably go for ages without setting foot inside their bank so now you have Millennium see how you get on.

[roy4eyes]

Why not use Millennium in Carvoeiro ? Dinis, Isobel and Mario are a great team who greet me by name when I visit the bank and I get a cheery 'Bom Dia' if we meet outside of the bank.
An insurance claim was dealt with promptly and efficiently including helping me fill out the necessary forms.

[sunman]

Why not use Millennium in Carvoeiro ? Dinis, Isobel and Mario are a great team who greet me by name when I visit the bank and I get a cheery 'Bom Dia' if we meet outside of the bank.
An insurance claim was dealt with promptly and efficiently including helping me fill out the necessary forms.

seconded

[Sheila]

Why not use Millennium in Carvoeiro ? Dinis, Isobel and Mario are a great team who greet me by name when I visit the bank and I get a cheery 'Bom Dia' if we meet outside of the bank.
An insurance claim was dealt with promptly and efficiently including helping me fill out the necessary forms.

Do you have the 8 euro deal then?

Our house is being built in Monchique so we chose Lagoa because it is on the way from the airport. Having to divert to Carvoeiro would take a bit longer but we do go there from time to time so we may go into that branch. Presumably you don't necessarily have to use your own branch?

[sam]

I'm with Millennium in CVO. Never had a problem with this branch nor telephone enquiries. Always helpful, never had to wait long. I refused the 8euro deal, no pressure to join. Good internet banking in english. Free Uk transfers so i just transfer when need a top up.

[djprescott]

How easy is it to switch banks in Portugal. Anyone had any experience of doing this?

[Sheila]

I'm with Millennium in CVO. Never had a phone with this branch nor telephone enquiries. Always helpful, never had to wait long. I refused the 8euro deal, no pressure to join. Good internet banking in english. Free Uk transfers so i just transfer when need a top up.

What sort of rate do you get?

[sam]

I'm with Millennium in CVO. Never had a phone with this branch nor telephone enquiries. Always helpful, never had to wait long. I refused the 8euro deal, no pressure to join. Good internet banking in english. Free Uk transfers so i just transfer when need a top up.

What sort of rate do you get?

Quite good. last transfer was earlier this month and about 1.20 euros to £. Usually takes about 2-3 days to appear on Millenium account. Better rate and much quicker than currency firm I was using previously.