so First Direct aren't going to charge customers £10....

anniecave

see thread elsewhere in this forum.

The question is, do we think they might just delay it until say next year? That was quite a serious backtrack, were they really serious, and were seeing what reaction they got? or what?

I can't see why they would have announced it, and then backtracked to say they won't. Surely lots of people like me are now thinking of changing bank accounts whereas before I was planning to stay with them because they have good customer service etc etc?

Does anyone think the UK market may move in time to the european system which I'm told is regular fees for having an account, or do we think the market is going to segment into basic accounts, then lots of acccounts with added extras with monthly fees (like insurances, and coupons etc), and remain fee free?

I obviously hope for the latter option, because I don't need all the extras packages, but lots of other people like them and are willing to pay for them, so perhaps that's how it's all going to work, with more cross selling of products perhaps?


Just a discussion starter.....

nearlyrich

I though the original thread was started by someone who knew someone who worked at FD and they had told the OP quietly that this charge was coming in?
I have been with FD for almost 15 years and I haven't seen or heard anything official about charging all customers £10 to hold an account.

I am not thinking about changing my account, or our joint accout just in case they start charging but if they bring in a charge I will look elsewhere for a suitable account without charges. Like annicave I have enjoyed superb customer service for FD and they are a hard act to follow.

anniecave

Yeah, I just thought it was interesting co-incidental timing with this and similar articles:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,9558-2294466,00.html

Maybe it was all just a storm in a teacup then, an idea that never was going to happen.

Tim_L

Kite flying probably.

trets77

i reckon they put this idea out deliberatly on the FD customer base as FD customers are the most satisfied and happy with their bank thus more likely to grin and bare the charge.

the other banks could follow suit then more easily after HSBC fired the first shot.

i reckon this was a test the water exercise on behalf of HSBC. what did it cost them for this research. ZERO.

i am so sorry the banks are not making enough of thier current account holders.:rolleyes: how will they survive without squeezing us for extorinate charges for everyday banking.:mad: :mad: ... well news flash banks "YOU DON'T GET ME NOT NOW NOT EVER !!!!!!!!.

they can try this but there will one bank or building society that won,t go with it i,m very sure (probably nationwide). unless it 100% across the board us money savers have nothing to worry about .

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

to be honest though i really do get very angry with companys that have their wrist slapped for over charging ect who then say well we will have to pass that loss on to you in other ways. the mobile phone networks used this argument as a defence for the shocking cost of making oversea calls. it amounts to saying "if we cannot screw you this way , we will screw you a different way". you were making that money unfairly in the first place, so what gives you the right to get it anthor way by raising existing charges or making up new ones for things??? i though we lived in a free market not a price fixing cartel like the banks ect would desire!!!!!!!

i will stay with First Direct, because of their customer service and ease of use . they are a hard act to follow you are right and i see no need to give that up YET. but if they try it on in the future i will move MY custom elsewhere along with 5K in savings . i have a choice and i choose not to pay your charges!!!!

the next time this comes up sign me for duty to fight it.

penrhyn

First Direct never said they were going to introduce a monthly charge on their current accounts.
It was the conspiracy theorists on this site that were spreading the rumour as fact and then patting themslves on the back that they had won a famous victory.
I'll declare an interest that I've been a very satisfied customer of First Direct since they opened for business and have never had less that 100% excellent service whether on the phone or on the net.

Mind you if they did introduce bank charges for loyal customers who manage their money responsibly I'd have to say Oii First Direct No!

trets77

it was true. i can read between the lines of what the customer account manager said to me.

but true or not they know what will happen if they do try to impose this charge. we win either way !!!!!!

hang on while a slap my own back again:rolleyes:

CopperPlate_2

I suppose it's just to be expected that banks and such like will try and test the water first. Still, there's been no official confirmation that such a plan existed, and as such there can't really be an official moratorium on the introduction of charges at a later date. I think it's one of those things that, if it happens, well we'll just wait and see and then decide what to do?

No point in getting fired up over something that hasn't happened.

munki_3

I have to agree with copperplate, why are people so concerned over something that hasnt offically been announced?
How do we know that a rival bank employee hasnt put a post on here saying FD are to charge to see the reaction and to see how many people jump ship?

For those of you that have already moved your accounts to alternative banks I just hope the plan doesnt backfire. I have had no issues what so ever with FD in the 3 years I've been with them. Maybe if I had my opinion would have been different.

All I know is that if FD do indeed charge then surely other banks must follow suit. So if all banks do start charging £10 to bank with them then I'd at least want to stay with a bank that I know will give good customer service rather than move banks now and maybe end up with a bank who offer poor customer service and still give me the pleasure of paying £10 to bank with them.

CopperPlate_2

Quite right. smile are also v good at customer service and so far FD have been very quick and prompt in answering my requests for stuff. I'd have no problem paying for good service if I got it.