Avoid First Direct - They are gonna charge all customers £10!

mrcow

FULL_MOON_AVENGER wrote:

How Do You Know

Know what?

EagerLearner

I have received the template response too - have sent them an angry e-mail asking for a proper personal response as they're supposed to be all about customer service. Also threatened that they'd lose all our business if they plan to start charging us to simply keep our wages in their coffers.

mancitychick

I sent them a message via the internet banking and I too recieved the "always brainstormingnew ideas" response. In my opinion if they weren't planning on introducing a charge they would of responed along the lines of "we have no plans to start charing a monthly fee". I have replied telling them that there answer is very vague and doesn't answer my query and that if said charge is introduced, I will be taking my account elsewhere.

EagerLearner

Well done ManCityChick - the more of us that do this the quicker FD will realise what a foolish idea this is and how many customers they will loose to the competition.

With the profits HSBC have announced I think it's disgusting they plan to fleece us, after so many of us have been so loyal. Teaches us an important lesson though - as Martin says, their interests are opposed to ours - they want to make money from us, we want to save money.

WestonDave

I've also had the standard response. I guess they either had to admit their organisation was "leaky" or keep trying to block with meaningless answers. I couldn't be bothered to respond again as I'd made it fairly clear in my initial email that I wasn't impressed.

I'm not going to rush into a decision without seeing what they are actually proposing to do, and will then consider what better alternatives there are. I'm slightly mindful of the rush to change gas suppliers only to find the one people moved to putting their prices up a bit later. Chances are if First Direct come out with their plans others will let the cat out of the bag as well and we'll begin to see how the trends are forming whilst still having time to make changes before the charges actually bite.

EagerLearner

WestonDave wrote:

I've also had the standard response. I guess they either had to admit their organisation was "leaky" or keep trying to block with meaningless answers. I couldn't be bothered to respond again as I'd made it fairly clear in my initial email that I wasn't impressed.

I'm not going to rush into a decision without seeing what they are actually proposing to do, and will then consider what better alternatives there are. I'm slightly mindful of the rush to change gas suppliers only to find the one people moved to putting their prices up a bit later. Chances are if First Direct come out with their plans others will let the cat out of the bag as well and we'll begin to see how the trends are forming whilst still having time to make changes before the charges actually bite.

True and I'm all for 'waiting and seeing' too - however if all banks are going to charge eventually, then I'd rather be with a bank that offers the customer more, such as:

- 4% interest rather than FD paltry 2% or sometimes even 0.1% (this is what we get on our joint account).

- Cashback cards

- Linked high rate saver accounts

- Free overdraft for a year

These banks are offering the above right now without charging.

FD need to get off their bums now and start competing if they're going to charge.

nbbradshaw

ok, had a "reply" to my goodbye I'm leaving you message that I sent to FD the other day

"I am sorry you have had cause to complain, the issues you have raised are being investigated.

I will ensure you are contacted again shortly, certainly within the next ten working days. For your information, our website https://www.firstdirect.com/howtocomplain provides further details about the bank's complaint procedure.

In the meantime, thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention."


Hmmmm lets wait and see....they'd better be quick the A&L application is in the post!!!

Whitefiver

Many thanks for the posts - I have just sent a message saying that my account will be transferred the day I receive my letter, if indeed they are planning to start imposing charges.

Regards,

White.

robublind

I have to agree with Mrs Jangles, it is going to happen soon. All you doubters out there just wait until you get the letter, which is due to be sent out in September and the £10 charge will apply from January. Don't say I didn't warn you. Wife works for them so thats how I know, also another point staff will be exempt from this

EagerLearner

Thanks robublind - I think we're all looking into alternative banks right now.As it's your first post did you create the username just for First Direct he he...