Like I was saying earlier, I wouldn’t be massively surprised to see them at least do a trial launch early in the New Year. I gather that Coventry First was well thought of, though limited to the Coventry area and web access only (it predated apps).
I can still do DDs, SOs and bill payments on the site, only bill payments on the app so far.
What exactly is different? The page on Coventry’s website reads that MoneyManger and Coventry First are the same thing. As far as I can tell, it gives the same details as the latest link from the Fair Investment website; there’s nothing that leads me to believe the Coventry are launching a new current account.
The page in the Coventry site is a hang over from the days of Coventry First and the Moneymanager for sure.
The Fair Investment page is quite different. It’s talking about 1.1% with a bonus which, as far as I know, is quite different from what went before and definitely different from Moneymanager. That’s why I’m wondering if they know something which we don’t presently.
The 1.1% with bonus is the same on the Fair Investment page and on this old page from the Coventry:
Rather than being an indication of something new in the pipeline, it’s much more likely that Fair Investment have got hold of an out-of-date link and are reporting something that’s no longer valid.
OK, fair enough. I hadn’t seen that other page.
That said, I suppose it is an indication of what might be on offer this time around i.e. basic rate with a bonus, some kind of monthly deposit.
I think some of you are being incredibly optimistic to think that Coventry BS are about to launch their own current account.
They plan on completing the acquisition of the Co-op Bank in Jan - and then all their efforts will be on integrating the Co-op and Coventry systems together (or even deciding if it’s worth only keeping one tech stack and transferring all accounts onto it), working out which branches they’re keeping (from both organisations) and what to do with all their staff. That’ll take a year or so at least.
So the Co-op staff may be sent to Coventry 
They never really stopped running current accounts. Apart from not having debit cards since 2019, the Moneymanager accounts still have the other current account functionality i.e. DD, SO, bill payments. That’s why I could see them adding back the debit cards and ramping things up. The cards themselves still work on the Visa network, albeit only in ATMs these days.
Can’t see them trying to merge the tech given the prior experience of others. My thinking is that they will choose one of the two and add functionality to the chosen one as required. I personally don’t think they’ll go 3rd party.
That said, as you say, there’s a lot to be done.
Near all banks allow this 
Email just received…
The Co-operative Bank is now part of the Coventry Building Society family
Coventry Building Society has officially completed its purchase of The Co-operative Bank.
B Corp building society meets the original ethical bank
We’re excited about what this means for our future. Bringing together our two values-driven organisations will result in a mutually owned business that’s deeply passionate about its members, customers and communities.
We’ll use our combined experience of almost 300 years to do more of the things that matter to you. We’ll make improvements to our levels of service, enhance the support we offer, while continuing to keep your money safe and secure.
But for now, it’s business as usual
As we start to bring our organisations together, we’ll keep you updated with everything you need to know.
We’re still going to operate as The Co-operative Bank and Coventry Building Society for the time being. This means there will be no impact to your products or the way you use our services right now. And if you have accounts with both Coventry Building Society and The Co-operative Bank, you’ll continue to benefit from the maximum protection offered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) deposit scheme through each organisation. We will keep you informed if anything changes.
We’re celebrating our new relationship with you, our customers
We’d like you to be part of our celebrations. So, we’re hosting a prize draw for customers of The Co-operative Bank alongside members of the Society to mark the occasion, with prizes ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. Coventry Building Society are running a similar promotion for their members. Terms and conditions apply. To view the terms and conditions and for more information, including details on how to opt out of the prize draw, please see our website.
We have our mortgage, and mortgage/bills account with them, have done since 2007.
I use Smile for the mortgage/bills and can’t see the Co-op Mortgage in that app. Shortly after we took out the mortgage I opened a Co-op Savings account and the mortgage can be viewed in that app. You can only see the balance though, no transactions.
I don’t remember the last time I logged in to the Co-op website so I don’t know if you can see the mortgage in there, but I presume you would be able to if you can in the app.
Currently attempting the Switch & Stay offer.
Tbf it’s been pretty painless (albeit slow account opening) so far without having my account blocked or having to speak to CS!
When I met the criteria for the £75 I received an email the next day and the payment was issued.
I’ve met the criteria for the £25 for my first month but haven’t recieved an email confirming I have done so like I did for the £75, is that normal or do I need to double check?
I’m on the earlier version of that (starting last June). After the £75 turned up in July, it was September before the first of the £15 arrived i.e. there’s a month of a gap before the regular payments start to arrive.
Maybe it should read ‘final year, better money habits’ seeing as they’ll be the Coventry at some point.
I can’t see the Coventry Building Society having any use for the Smile brand, so it will probably be left to die a lingering death, until it’s put out of its misery.
Our joint account is with Smile, because 20 years ago there were a few perks (a Visa card I think, something like that!) over a Co-op one. But for a while now there has seen very little difference and very little point in them having both brands.
There’s no real difference now as for some years you’ve been able to operate your Smile account from a CoOp branch. Minor differences in the interest rates.
