Should I Switch to First Direct?

SparciaM

You would have to pay the £10 fee.

I would say that they aint worth paying £120 a year for a bank account. I guess it's good that most customers wont be affected by the new T&Cs as I would definately not pay £10pm for a bank account.

sammyjammy

I've just completed my online application, I'm hopeful given the comments about, I moved to A&L six months ago but hate it, the customer service is appauling and so is the online banking, was just going to go back to Halifax but though FD might be worth a try, I'm hopeful I won't have to make use of the 2nd £100 and that I've found a new account for life!

Do they do Faster payments?

EarthBoy

I'm with First Direct and I can confirm they do faster payments, both making them and receiving them. This currently only applies to individual bill payments though. Standing orders are still sent by BACS at the moment and take 2-3 days to reach the intended account. Standing orders are planned to move over to faster payments in the Spring.

Mudd14

I have just transfered, recieved all my welcome stuff, card, online banking etc very quickly. Impressed so far.

D_Man_3

I applied online and within ten days have had my account opened and got a date for switching over from A&L, it's all been very good so far. A few calls to their CS team have also left me impressed, so hopefully this will continue.

A&L were good but I didn't like the process of getting to speak to someone over the phone.

noah271007

Hi, ive sent this post in another thread but got them mixed up!
Can customers who are part time employed or unemployed apply for the current account with FD? I am at risk of losing my job due to the recession. Will FD accept customers who are unemployed even if they have a decent credit history? I am considering transferring my bank account to FD.

ShelfStacker_3

The_Money_Saver wrote: »

However, my Mum was also thinking of going for the account too, but given that she earns less than £1,500 per month, she'll not qualify for the fee free account. Save for having the mortgage product, does anyone know of another way, or is it simply that she'll have to pay it if she wants the account?

She could keep an average balance of £1,500 or more each month (which is easy to do but obviously comes at a cost of interest.)

EarthBoy

noah271007 wrote: »

.....Can customers who are part time employed or unemployed apply for the current account with FD? I am at risk of losing my job due to the recession. Will FD accept customers who are unemployed even if they have a decent credit history? I am considering transferring my bank account to FD.

Unemployed people can apply, but anybody in financial difficulties probably won't want or be able to afford to pay the £10 monthly charge, -which is only avoidable by new customers if you pay in £1500 per month, or keep an average monthly balance of that amount, or have a mortgage with First Direct.

ShelfStacker_3

EarthBoy wrote: »

Unemployed people can apply, but anybody in financial difficulties probably won't want or be able to afford to pay the £10 monthly charge, -which is only avoidable by new customers if you pay in £1500 per month, or keep an average monthly balance of that amount, or have a mortgage with First Direct.

And they won't accept you if you're bankrupt or in any kind of IVA or debt management plan. As in, turned down flat. IIRC they'd also close your account if you went into such a thing while you banked with them, not 100% sure.

DesG

I've just been on their website to have a look and I can't get the answer to a question I have, do they provide postal statements every month?

Cheers, Des.