> The nice thing about the UK banking sector is that it is trivial to move banks.

Are there countries where this is a hassle? Now I've only had personal banking accounts in ~3 countries (so far?), so maybe I'm in a bubble, but in none of the countries has "switching banks" been more than basically create a new account, start using new IBAN for incoming transfers, move direct debits to use new IBAN and start using new card(s). Those last two were even automatic in the last move I did for a lot of stuff. Is it typically more difficult than that in other countries?

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vanviegen 25 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

Having to change IBAN is a hassle, and shouldn't have been necessary. In fact, I think some countries (Germany?) actually got that right, and allow you to take your IBAN with you when switching banks. Like keeping your phone number when switching telco.

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TFNA an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-]

There are countries where, as a result of mergers, banking is now down to 3-4 banks, and they all have the same Android requirements, so switching won't get one anywhere.

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bluebarbet 19 minutes ago | parent | next [-]

If those countries are in the EU, you have the right to use a bank based in another EU country. The traditional incumbents will likely demand an in-country residential address (in direct contradiction of EU law). Which leaves the internet-only neobanks. I believe the only FOSS-compatible option is Wise, which has a modern web offering and does not even require that you install a native app. I understand N26 does, but it may work with Graphene. By contrast Revolut is a privacy-invading walled garden and should be avoided at all costs.

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embedding-shape an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

Right, but that's something else. Can't you switch between those 3-4 banks though? That's what I though was possible more or less all over the world.

	▲	dmantis 34 minutes ago \| parent [-]
		If you are not a citizen, but an immigrant, it could be very true in some parts of the world. I have a living permit and legal status in the country I live in, but only few banks open accounts to people like me, most just deny anyone but citizens of the country. The ones that open all work in GrapheneOS though, so not big deal for me in my particular case.

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lmz an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

Having the debits move to the new IBAN automatically had to be mandated and built. It doesn't just happen. In markets with large incumbent banks they have no incentive whatsoever to make switching easy.