Leaving first direct - what counts as "closing" the account to get the £100?

SG_Guy

Does anyone know if when leaving first direct for the £100, what counts as 'closing' the account within 12 months - is it when the switching process to another bank takes place i.e. the new provider gets the list of S/Os and D/Ds from first direct, or is it when the account is officially closed?

stella2009

SG_Guy wrote: »

Does anyone know if when leaving first direct for the £100, what counts as 'closing' the account within 12 months - is it when the switching process to another bank takes place i.e. the new provider gets the list of S/Os and D/Ds from first direct, or is it when the account is officially closed?

It looks like it's when the switching process is in action, as it states the £100 will be credited to your account before it's closed.

Did you not like First Direct??

SG_Guy

Thanks. Agree that first direct service is generally good. However, don't really need to call them (or any bank) often, as can pretty much get the things I want done online (where first direct online banking user interface isn't as good as others'). No in-credit interest after the first year is also a huge drawback (again when compared to others' e.g. Lloyds Vantage; Halifax Reward). The few times I have had to contact them via secure message, I got answers that seem to have been copied off standard templates, as they were pretty much wide of the mark!

paulw98

closing the account is when you ring them uup and explain why you want to leave, inform them that you want your £100 closing bonus and then give them the deails of the account you want your closing balance plus £100 paid into. DD and SO can be moved by yourself.