First Direct giveaway

nzseries1

My reason for leaving was the shoddy internet banking. The number of errors I got while using it was on the high side - I'd say about 50% of transactions resulted in an error.

However that was 2 years ago now, perhaps it's changed.

I had to explain in great detail to 3 different people why I wanted to leave, and then still didn't get the £100 for leaving. I had to write in with a complaint before I got the £100.

I did like the way FD picked up the phone immediately when you called them, but I still got passed around between departments, and I use the internet a lot more than the phone anyway, so for me, that was the most important thing.

onlypaddy

Wyndham wrote: »

As FD are currently making a mess of transferring my DDs, then I think I will be asking for the second £100.... I don't like people getting in touch with me to say bills haven't been paid, and it's happened twice now, so hardly a hassle free switching service.

I'll let you know how I get on!

As is the case with any switching service, it is your responsibility to check with your direct debit recipients that they have your new details. All first direct can do is to tell them of the change, not make them change their records.

If you did this then your transfer would have gone like clockwork. Either that or the companies themselves will be responsible.

Wyndham

onlypaddy wrote: »

As is the case with any switching service, it is your responsibility to check with your direct debit recipients that they have your new details. All first direct can do is to tell them of the change, not make them change their records.

If you did this then your transfer would have gone like clockwork. Either that or the companies themselves will be responsible.

I understand that, but also it makes the whole 'we'll switch for you' line a bit redundant. The other thing FD did was to tell my old bank to close off the old DDs before all the new ones were set up - if I'd been doing it myself I would have contacted the companies, set up the new ones, then and only then cancelled the old ones.

It was because the old ones were cancelled that I got the 'defaults' - I already knew they weren't set up for this month and was just expecting them to take money from the old account instead, with time to sort it for next month.

onlypaddy

Wyndham wrote: »

I already knew they weren't set up for this month and was just expecting them to take money from the old account instead, with time to sort it for next month.

Therin lies your other problem. Never assume anything...

Wyndham

onlypaddy wrote: »

Therin lies your other problem. Never assume anything...

Gosh, I've rattled your cage, haven't I? Are you the MD of FD or something?

Soubrette

Wyndham wrote: »

As FD are currently making a mess of transferring my DDs, then I think I will be asking for the second £100.... I don't like people getting in touch with me to say bills haven't been paid, and it's happened twice now, so hardly a hassle free switching service.

I'll let you know how I get on!

I bank with first direct and wouldn't change, their call centre staff are excellent and I've never had problems with their internet banking. I did originally intend to switch away but their service is too good

However, if you've had problems with the DD transfer then I think that would be reasonable as an explanation as to why you want to leave them. After all they do say

Just say the word and we'll take care of the rest - we'll deal with your Standing Orders and Direct Debits

on their website.