First Direct - Opinions?

[Deleted User]

I'm looking at opening a current account with First Direct.

Are there any things I should know? Are they good at anything in particular? Bad at anything?

Any opinions and experiences on any aspect of them would be greatly appreciated...

97trophy

Overall a superb bank. Been with them since 1991.

System

The problem is they are expensive - I had a look at their website and their interest rates on overdrafts, credit cards, loans etc. is way more than many other banks.

I bank with Cahoot and pay 9.8% on my overdraft (first £100 free of interest), 12.9% on my credit card which also applies to cash withdrawals. The CC rate is not brilliant, but nowhere near the rate FirstDirect charge (16.9%). Unfortunately new customers can't apply for a credit card as Cahoot no longer do them - even though they are renewing cards customers already have. You also get 1.7% on current account credit balances whereas FirstDirect pay you nothing.

staffie1

But if you don't need an overdraft / credit card, etc, and can pay in min £1500 per month, FD seem like a great bank. They also give you £100 for switching to them.

I am also poised to open a FD 1st Account after reading various posts on this site and their website. I particularly like the idea of getting a text message on my phone to tell me when the account balance reaches a certain level, or when other various activity on the account takes place to help me budget better, and to avoid nasty O/D charges, etc.

You get free automatic £250 O/D facility (OK for my needs) but beware of going over that limit as they are expensive then.

FD have some great press on their standard of customer service, full internet banking and if you want to speak to someone, you can call them 24/7 and get through to a real person, in the UK, first time, every time.

I'm going to open an account shortly. Just need to sort out getting my salary changed over, and the direct debits, but had a good clear out of old and unnecessary automatic payments from my current bank account, so it's simplified and ready for switching. FD also take care of all that for you too if you want them too.

There you...I've talked myself into it now...!
Oh and apparently they will pay you £100 if you're not happy after a certain period of time.

Let me know how you get on.

redmel1621

I have been with them for a few years now and have always found them to be great.....

Mel x

Minxy_Bella

I've been with them since 1993 and think they're fantastic. I get my bank statement via text every day so I've only been overdrawn twice, I think, since then - which was a major success for me!!

They're quite strict on unauthorised spending, which is good as they just won't let you take the mickey and get yourself into huge debt with them. But they're always helpful and friendly on the phone, so I'm not scared of ringing them - again, a major thing for me!

TighterThanTwoCoatsOfPain

Not a bad word to say about them.... and if you have saving.. whilst the rates at the moment are !!!! poor, they're one of the few places i think they're safe!

Cat695

any bank is costly if you go overdrawn......so just don't(first 250 quid is free though)

but i have to agree with most on here FD are excellent

Disflop

Been with them for over 12 yrs now - I find them an excellent bank who offer a first class service.
Not had any problem with them whatsoever.

brookerbabyisababy

First Direct are really an awesome bank if you want the best customer service. They not only pick up the phone on the first ring without any machines. But the staff are probably some of the nicest people to speak to and go beyond the call of the duty to help you with your problems.

karie

really friendly staff, have never once been on hold, quick to respond via internet banking, internet banking really easy to use, can use hsbc branches to lodge money if necessary, they're careful if they think there's been unauthorised activity on your account, i could go on and on!

i love FD and recently set up accounts with co-op & a&l to take advantage of joining incentives... but will be closing these shortly as would never leave FD... honestly it probably sounds weird but they are the ideal bank!