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There’s no need to wait for an app to check if you’ve got the right bank account

9th August 2016 Print

Gocompare.com comments on the reforms recommended in a report from the CMA.

Matt Sanders, head of money at Gocompare.com commented on today’s CMA report: “The reforms the CMA have called for are a positive step for consumers, 40% of which have never switched their bank account. Pushing the banks to make it easier for consumers to properly compare the charges and benefits of bank accounts will help customers to choose an appropriate account for their needs rather than simply the one offering the highest rate of interest on their balance or seemingly the most generous rewards scheme.

“However, the ability to compare bank accounts based on individuals’ own usage data is available today without waiting for the banks to develop a new app. Last year Gocompare.com launched the UK’s only midata powered comparison service. The free to use service, which is still the only one of its kind, uses customers’ midata files from their online banking service to securely calculate the best current account for them based on how they actually use their account. The results are displayed showing how much better off they could be in pounds and pence if they moved their account.

“This service takes all of the guesswork out of finding the right current account. However, to date the banks have not gone out of their way to promote this service or make it easy for customers to access their own data and transfer it to the midata comparison tool. Clearly they have a vested interest in keeping hold of their customers for as long as they can.

“The reforms being put forward by the CMA could be the kick the banking industry needs to finally put resource behind making it easier for customers to compare accounts and switch to better deals.”

For more information on the midata powered current account comparison service visit; gocompare.com/money/midata/