Tandem Bank

Update: I’ve upgraded this review because Tandem did eventually get in touch. Things seem to be working ok now, but my original review is still valid as it wasn’t a good experience for a new Customer. Signed up for a new account ok, but that’s when it went down hill rapidly 😨 Added my “supported” Bank, but when going back into the App it says “can’t connect to bank account”. Tried again, but this time I added my second bank account which was also “supported”. This seemed to connect, but impossible to deposit money as it just bombs out with the usual “try again” message. I sent a message to Support, but they haven’t got back to me. Next day I thought I would give it one last try. It got further this time and seemed to connect ok with my bank, then it switched back to the Tandem App, and just waited..waited…waited..After a few minutes a message came back saying it could take up to two hours transfer the money. God knows if it ever does as i’m still showing a zero balance. Can’t believe how much of an awful experience this was, especially compared to other Financial Apps I have used.

I acquired this credit card purely as a way of spending money abroad without incurring foreign charges. It does that absolutely brilliantly. 10/10. Immediate notification of spending, with cost in both sterling and the local currency. The exchange rate is fair too. It always appears to be the spot rate, halfway between the buy and the sell prices. I also like the idea of having to have a current account with it, and of rounding up purchases so that you can save the difference. You can also add £5 or £10 a week to savings too. It is an easy way of saving painlessly. Two slight problems. No Apple Pay. I was told to expect it by the end of the year. It is now 21/12, and no sign of it. Secondly, there should be a link to your main non-Tandem bank account, so they can see what bills are expected to help you plan your free spending money. That hasn’t worked after the first few weeks. I tried speaking to someone on the helpline, who couldn’t understand what I meant, and kept assuring me that all was ok, when it blatantly wasn’t. If you offer this facility, please make sure that it works!

This app is fantastic! I saved up so much money in the space of a few months earlier this year; all from just spare change and automatic weekly deposits. I highly recommend this app! Easy to use, all automatic without leaving a dent in your bank account! The reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is that since the September update my bank is no longer supported by the app and I’m not saving nearly as much so I’m going to have to find another app. Just check if your bank is supported by this app before setting up an account as it’s the most efficient way of saving. Such a shame, I got so close to reaching a savings goal...